Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the amendment. We all accept that, where possible, it is preferable for disputes to be resolved by mediation. We should bear in mind that all of the cases that go before the ombudsman's office have already been the subject of an internal complaints procedure within the financial institution concerned and it has not been possible to resolve the issue. Where possible, mediation should be given every opportunity to work. It is the most desirable outcome, but it is not going to be possible in all cases and the full powers of the ombudsman will have to be deployed to resolve those issues.

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