Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
180. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the current status of the proposed amalgamation of the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman and the Office of the Financial Services Ombudsman; the progress made on this to date; when he expects this merger to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37376/13]
View answerIn line with Government policy, it has been decided to amalgamate the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman and the Office of the Financial Services Ombudsman. Primary legislation will be required to effect this amalgamation. Both the Department of Social Protection and my Department will be involved in the preparatory work and in the drafting of the necessary legislation. A Steering Group consisting of officials from the Department of Social Protection and my Department will be established shortly to progress the work. The serving Ombudsmen will be consulted during all phases of the work. The enactment of necessary legislation will be subject to the Government legislative programme.
