Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013
177. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to review the remuneration given to the Financial Services Ombudsman Council which is currently €21,600 per annum for the chairman and €12,600 per annum for board members; his views on whether the €486,000 paid personally to council members during the period 2008 to 2013 by way of fees is excessive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26983/13]
View answerFirstly, I must point out that the Financial Services Ombudsman is independent in the performance of his statutory functions. I have no role in the day to day workings of the office.
The Government at its meeting on 5 May 2009 approved a 10% reduction of fees paid to non-executive chairpersons and members of the boards of State Bodies. The Financial Services Ombudsman Council fees were revised down following the Government Decision with Council members receiving €12,600 and the Chairperson receiving €21,600.
I have been informed by the Financial Services Ombudsman that a total of €530,183 has been paid to the Financial Services Ombudsman Council for the period 2008 to 31 March 2013. The details are as follows:-
|
Year |
Fees Paid to Council Members |
|
2008 |
€131,333 |
|
2009 |
€100,800 |
|
2010 |
€97,200 |
|
2011 |
€95,100 |
|
2012 |
€84,600 |
|
2013 |
€21,150 |
The setting of fees for non-executive chairpersons and members of the boards of State Bodies is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I have been informed that he has no plans at present to review the fees.
