Former taxi regulator Ger Deering has been appointed as financial services ombudsman, replacing Bill Prasifka, who has completed a five-year term in the role.

As well as serving as the first commissioner for taxi regulation, Mr Deering was the founding director of the National Employment Rights Authority, which promotes compliance with employment rights. His most recent role was as assistant secretary for corporate and business support at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Mr Deering will oversee the imminent integration of the offices of the financial services ombudsman and the pensions ombudsman and will subsequently become financial services and pensions ombudsman.

A native of Carlow and a graduate in public management, Mr Deering will take up his appointment on April 20th.