Press Release - 04 January 2010

Appointment of interim Financial Ombudsman

The Financial Services Ombudsman Council has appointed Mr. P.J. Fitzpatrick, former Chief Executive of Courts Service, as Financial Services Ombudsman from 4 January 2010 for an interim period pending the appointment of a successor to Joe Meade, who retired as Financial Ombudsman on 2 January 2010.

In November 2009 a public recruitment process to select the Financial Ombudsman was commenced. The Public Appointments Service will hold interviews in mid January 2010 after which the Council will appoint the Ombudsman.

Further information
Diarmuid Byrne (6318561) or Conor Cashman (6318575)

Financial Services Ombudsman, 3rd Floor, Lincoln House, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2.
Lo call 1890 88 20 90; Tel: 01-6620899; Fax 01-6620890
Email mailto:enquiries@financialombudsman.ie

Note for media
As an independent statutory office-established on 1 April 2005-the Financial Services Ombudsman ensures that unresolved complaints from customers of financial service providers are mediated, investigated and adjudicated on in an impartial and independent manner. In addition to rectifying matters the Ombudsman may make compensation awards up to €250,000 which are binding on both parties subject only to appeal to the High Court.