Firstly, 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.