THE IRISH Financial Services Regulatory Authority is beefing up the number of people working on its helpline in order to handle the volume of queries it is receiving from members of the public.
It is understood that normally about four staff members are dedicated to responding to the financial regulator's calls and e-mails. From Monday, this number will be increased to almost 20.
A spokeswoman said it was handling an average of 500 e-mails and telephone calls a day this week.
The increase is not just a result of the turmoil in the global banking system, she said, adding that the regulator also has been running an advertising campaign to highlight the services it offers to the public.
Although she would not detail how many additional staff would be dedicated to the helpline, she said the regulator "will continue to respond to consumer needs as has always been our practice".
If members of the public have queries, she asked them to first check the www.itsyourmoney.iewww.itsyourmoney.ie website and to follow up with a phone call or e-mail if the information they require is not available there.
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