Complaints to Financial Services Ombudsman up 33%

The number of complaints made to the Financial Services Ombudsman has grown by 33% over the last year.

By year end the office expects to have dealt with more than 8,000 complaints about financial products.

Since July complainants have been awarded €1.4m in compensation following an investigation by the Ombusdman's office.

The latest report from Ombudsman Joe Meade details 30 findings arising from issues over the last four months.

He says banks and insurance companies need to remember that many people take up their products in good faith.

"Banks and insurance companies and any financial service provider should bear mind that there is trust put in them by the people," Mr Meade said.

"It's is the people's money, not the bank's money. Therefore that trust should be honoured.

"If they make mistakes they should own up to them, and not be putting forward stupid arguments to me to justify their actions."