asked the Minister for Finance the fees paid to a Garda medical officer for attending court and giving evidence in connection with charges in respect of drunken driving where the person charged is (a) convicted and (b) acquitted; and if, having regard to public disquiet concerning the discrepancies which appear to exist in such fees according to whether a conviction or dismissal is obtained, he will ensure that a uniform fee is paid in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fees to Garda Medical Officers.
9.
Mr. Ryan
The fees payable to medical witnesses for giving professional evidence in court depend on the period of absence from home and the place where the court is located. If the evidence is given in the witness's home town, the fee varies by reference to the time factor between £2 5s. 0d. and £4 14s. 6d, similarly, if the evidence is given outside his home town, the fee varies between £3 3s. 0d. and £6 6s. 0d. Where more than one case arises on the same day, an additional fee of £1 11s. 6d. is payable for each extra case.
Where the evidence is in relation to a charge for drunken driving, the fee is in accordance with that scale and is payable whether or not the person charged is convicted or acquitted.
I am not aware of any public disquiet or discrepancies in this matter.