Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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93. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on whether the Office of the Financial Ombudsman is adequately staffed; and the staffing levels and budget allocation of the office for the past five years, in tabular form. [47210/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Firstly, I must point out that the Financial Services Ombudsman is independent in the performance of his statutory functions. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on how he performs his duties.

I have been advised by the Financial Services Ombudsman that he keeps the adequacy of staffing levels in the Office under constant review. The Office has just completed a public recruitment process and will be appointing both permanent and temporary staff to meet current demands in the coming weeks. The Ombudsman is satisfied that this will meet current needs. Staffing levels will continue to be kept under review in line with demand levels.

The Ombudsman also informed me that staff of the Office have the necessary range of qualifications, skills and experience to deliver on their mandate. These include qualifications and experience in the areas of mediation, investigation, legal, financial and corporate governance.

I have been informed that the budget allocation is as follows:-

I have also been informed that the staffing levels in the Bureau are as follows:-

I understand that the FSO wrote to all members of the Houses of the Oireachtas earlier this year informing them of the Protocol for the Provision of Information to Members of the Oireachtas by State Bodies and providing a dedicated email address for the timely provision of information to members of the Oireachtas.