Fergus O'Dowd
Question:67. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he will seek advice on concerns raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19693/23]
View answerWednesday, 26 April 2023
Questions (67)
Written answers
I note that the question relates to issues being experienced in relation to a specific life insurance policy. As the Deputy will appreciate, as the Minister for Finance, I am unable to comment on individual cases, nor can I intervene in disputes that individuals may have with their insurance provider. In addition, neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can direct the pricing or provision of insurance products, as this is a commercial matter which individual companies assess on a case-by-case basis. This position is reinforced by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive).
In situations where a person is not satisfied with the service of an insurance provider, it is advisable that that person make a complaint to the firm's internal complaint resolution process. The Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code requires that if after 40 days the complaint has not been resolved to the customer’s satisfaction, the regulated entity must inform the consumer that they may refer their complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO).
The FSPO is a statutory official who acts as an independent arbiter of disputes which consumers may have with their insurance company or other financial service provider. The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01-567-7000. Investigations by the FSPO are free of charge to the complainant.
Finally, it may interest the Deputy to know that Insurance Ireland, the representative body for insurance providers in this country, operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be accessed at: feedback@insuranceireland.eu.