merrion street

The Minister for Finance today [21 October, 2013] announced the re-appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Financial Services Ombudsman Council for a period of two years (up to 28 October 2015) or until the merger of the Financial Services Ombudsman with the Pensions Ombudsman has been completed, whichever is the sooner. These appointments arise from the expiry of the term of office of the outgoing Council on 28 October 2013. Ms Elizabeth Walsh, an experienced practising solicitor, has also been appointed to the Council.

Incoming Council Members

Dermott Jewell as Chairman

Paddy Leydon

Frank Wynn

Caitíona Ní Charra

Michael Connolly

Tony Kerr

Elizabeth Walsh

Ends

21 October, 2013

Note for Editors

Role of Financial Services Ombudsman Council

The Financial Services Ombudsman Council is established by Section 57 BC of the Central Bank Act, 1942 (as amended). The functions of the Council include prescribing guidelines under which the Financial Services Ombudsman is to operate, determining levies and charges payable for the performance of the Financial Services Ombudsman Bureau, appointing the Financial Services Ombudsman, keeping under review the efficiency and effectiveness of the Bureau. The Council has no role with respect to how the Financial Services Ombudsman deals with a particular complaint submitted to him.

Naming and shaming

The Council has a role under the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 in making regulations in relation to the naming of financial institutions which have at least three complaints against them substantiated or partially substantiated.

Names and background of members

Dermott Jewell as Chairman Consumers’ Association of Ireland

Paddy Leydon Bank of Ireland

Frank Wynn Irish Life Assurance plc

Caitriona Ni Charra MABS

Michael Connolly Consultant

Tony Kerr Senior Lecturer, College of Business and Law, UCD

Elizabeth Walsh Solicitor