Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the passage of this legislation. Along with my colleague, Deputy Pearse Doherty, whose Bill was passed last week, I hope that this will mark a change in the culture of financial institutions dealing with their customers. I also want to thank FLAC for drawing up the report that led to the drafting of Deputy Doherty's Bill. It has been immensely supportive and helpful.

I urge those people who were previously refused access because of the six-year rule to reapply, and the countless others who did not apply because of their awareness of this to resubmit their case. They need to use this legislation to allow them access to the services of the ombudsman. The Government should also play a role in promoting this. We have only done one part of the job. We now have to let people know through advertising, and encourage those who have lost hope to at least try this avenue which is now open to them. This fact should be propagated without fear of anyone.