I have just submitted the attached to the consultation on the powers of the FSO.
Weaknesses in the legislation and operation of the FSO which the new legislation should address
· The two stage system of complaints which was in operation until the Davy High Court case in July 2008 should be reinstated
· Where there are multiple complaints of a particular type against the same financial provider, the Ombudsman should be given the power to publish his findings on these complaints
· The Ombudsman should be given the power to hear multiple complaints on the same issue against the same financial provider
· The FSO should be given the power to order the financial provider to apply the decision of the FSO to all affected customers, whether they have complained or not.
· The Council should be given the power to review the quality of the Ombudsman’s rulings
· The Council should be given the power to direct the Ombudsman on the interpretation of legislation
Brendan