Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The amendment is worth considering. The law states, indeed the High Court and Supreme Court rulings make it clear, that where an oral hearing is warranted then one must take place. The amendments give clarity and certainty about the issue. There may be concerns that this provision could be frustrated by financial service providers. The amendment used the phrase "fundamental to arriving at a conclusion," which somewhat leaves a discretion with the Financial Services Ombudsman to appoint. The amendment has been carefully worded and I have no problem accepting it.