A new report published today by the Financial Services Ombudsman (FSO) shows that the volume of complaints about financial institutions in Ireland remains at record levels.

POWERS to name and shame institutions which offer bad or misleading advice to customers are being pursued by the Financial Services Ombudsman.

Complaints made to the Financial Services Ombudsman rose by more than a quarter last year, figures revealed today.

The Financial Ombudsman William Prasifka has said no complaints have been made to his office arising out of the ash crisis so far.

THE Competition Authority said its experience does not support the view there are widespread demands on producers to pay illegal “hello fees” to get their products onto shop shelves.

YOUR article headlined ‘Competition laws may destroy small towns, warn TDs’ (October 30) reported on the appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment by the chairperson of the Competition Authority, William Prasifka, in relation to the grocery market, grocery prices and the retail planning system.

SMALL towns risk being destroyed by competition laws if butchers, bakeries and small shops are replaced by big supermarkets chains.

THE Competition Authority has denied it was tipped off by the Health Service Executive about the controversial decision taken by pharmacists to withdraw from the methadone scheme.

PEOPLE hoping to cash in on a free flight offer have been warned they will have no protection under the law if they take up the deal, because the airline is not licensed to operate here.