Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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69. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the situation where the families of those who have died by suicide may be liable for the mortgage on a property until an inquest is concluded as the insurance cannot be assessed; his plans to allow for a more compassionate system. [39581/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Neither I nor the Central Bank has a statutory role in relation to the issue raised by the Deputy and the decision on whether and when to pay out on a policy depends on the specific contract.

However I have been advised by Insurance Ireland that in accordance with policy conditions, insurers would usually be unable to make a payment on a policy until the cause of death is confirmed.

I understand some lenders suspend mortgage repayments on a property until the inquest results are available and I would encourage other lenders to do the same.

The Financial Services Ombudsman's Bureau was established under the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act, 2004. The legislation provides for an independent, impartial investigation and resolution of disputes between consumers and financial service providers.

The Financial Services Ombudsman was set up to adjudicate on unresolved disputes between complainants and financial service providers. 

The services of the Ombudsman are free to the complainant. 

If a consumer has made a formal complaint to the financial institution in question and if not satisfied with the reply received, then he/she may contact the Financial Services Ombudsman in relation to the matter.