Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In terms of legal fair play, I suppose the issue is that if the complainant can seek an oral hearing, I suspect the Financial Services Ombudsman can do likewise. When an oral hearing is requested, I am not certain of the legal obligation on the Financial Services Ombudsman to give a reason as to why such a request is not acceded to. Perhaps that is something that could be examined in the context of ensuring that the Financial Services Ombudsman complies or explains. Obviously, there have been cases where people would have liked oral hearings to be held, where they requested such hearings but where their requests were not granted. We might not have looked at the small print. Perhaps the Minister could consider the matter. In addition, perhaps what I have suggested might be a way in which to address the concerns raised by Senator Horkan.