John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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327. To ask the Minister for Finance if he is aware of significant delays in the adjudication of complaints by the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, with some complainants waiting well beyond the timelines initially indicated; if he will seek an explanation from the Ombudsman regarding the reasons for such delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51621/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) provides an independent, fair, impartial, confidential and free service to resolve complaints between consumers and financial services and pension providers.

While recent data provided by the FSPO indicates that 86% of complaints are closed within 12 months, some, generally more complex complaints, are taking longer to resolve. This reflects the fact that FSPO adjudications are legally binding and therefore must follow due process.

In December 2023, an increase of over 40% in staff numbers, from 90 to 128, was sanctioned at the FSPO. This additional resourcing has been provided to the FSPO in order for them to resolve complaints more promptly.

As at the end of August, staff numbers have increased by nearly 30% to 116.