In 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 to progress the work. The serving Ombudsmen will be consulted during all phases of the work. The proposed date for enactment of the necessary legislation has not yet been agreed.