asked the Minister for Justice in relation to the payment of legal fees from his Department to barristers and solicitors the average delay in the making of such payments, the total amount of fees currently estimated to be outstanding and the reasons for such delays.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Legal Fees.
2.
The average length of time between the lodgment of a claim and payment is somewhat less than two months. It is hoped that arrangements can be made to reduce the period.
When a claim is received it has to be examined in the relevant court office and then transmitted to the accounts branch of my Department for payment and, where payment to Counsel is involved, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has to be consulted. Not infrequently queries arise either in the court office or in the accounts branch.
I understand that a number of claims from a solicitor in the Deputy's constituency were the subject of query and the payment was, unfortunately, delayed for a considerable period but that it has now taken place.
A check in court offices throughout the country would be needed to ascertain the number and amount of the claims currently being processed. There are about 700 claims in the accounts branch at present, involving a total of £36,000. It is expected that, save where queries arise, those claims will be paid by the end of the week.
Thank you.