Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 150: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement detailing the clear distinctions, protections and ethical guidelines to ensure that nobody pretends to be a person in authority and that people do not feel they are dealing with a person in authority investigating the claim from a different perspective in the context of an insurance claim investigation which he said should exist during a parliamentary exchange on 4 April 2007; and the protections to which he referred that are currently in place. [14549/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy refers to an exchange of views during Leaders Questions on 4 April last. As I said then, I share his view that it should be clear to people, when dealing with a person investigating an insurance company claim, that they are dealing with a representative of an insurance company, not a person implying or insinuating that he or she is a person in authority dealing with the same issue. Where this should happen in relation to serving members of the Garda Síochána the position is clear. Every allegation that a Garda is engaged in investigating claims on behalf of insurance companies will itself be investigated and the full rigours of the law brought to bear should an offence be disclosed. As regards the activities of insurance investigators, I understand that the Financial Regulator is now the authority responsible for the authorisation and ongoing supervision of insurance companies. I understand that a code of conduct has been issued to all regulated entities, including insurance companies, and this sets out requirements and provisions for the handling and processing of claims. Where a consumer is dissatisfied with the manner in which their claim is handled they may make a complaint through the company's complaints procedures. If they are not satisfied with the outcome of this process they may refer the matter to the Financial Services Ombudsman who will adjudicate on the issue.