Bertie Ahern
Question:10 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the reforms, if any, he plans to carry through in the Attorney General's office. [2037/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reform of the Attorney General's Office.
The Government is at present considering the report of the review group on the office of the Attorney General established by my predecessor last November. In accordance with the commitment in our programme for Government, it will be published shortly.
The Minister for Finance has already stated that additional staffing and information technology facilities will be allocated to the office.
At the time I left office — I had special responsibility for this matter — a group of wise men was to report within two weeks and I am disappointed they have not completed their work. It was generally accepted last November that the Attorney General's office was being run in an antiquated and inefficient manner. What extra resources are provided in this year's Estimates to upgrade technology in that office? I think everybody in the office, including all the staff who reported to a committee of this House, stated that they require technology. Is a system of improved delegation being introduced in the office? Neither of these issues requires to be included in the recommendations of the wise men; they are separate items.
In fairness to all concerned, members of the group and the Government, the report was presented on 13 January and it is being examined at the highest level. I expect it will be considered by the Government very quickly and that action arising from it will be taken with equal speed.
Is the highest authority the Taoiseach? Is it he who is examining the report?
I would not claim to be sufficiently expert to pass judgment on every aspect of this report but it will be brought to Government, which is regarded as the highest authority, at a very early date for decision and publication. It certainly is a high priority.
Is the Taoiseach the person responsible for implementation of the report?
Yes.
I do not know if the Taoiseach will be able to give me the information I request because he may not have studied the report, if not, he can tell me subsequently. Has the expert group been able to ascertain whether it is possible to computerise the Attorney General's office?
I would prefer to defer a definitive answer to that question until I have seen the published version——
Will the Taoiseach give me the published copy?
The Taoiseach may be aware that Official A made the point that it might not be possible to computerise the office. Has the group of wise men established this fact?
We will refer it to Deputy Danny Wallace for his opinion.
He is doing well.
Can we take it that means he will not be fired?
A substantial section of the report deals with the application of information technology. As I said in reply to the original question, the resources necessary to finance the application of information technology will be provided. Obviously, it will be a matter in the first instance for the Attorney General to put this into effect. Those who know the present Attorney General will be aware that, in his previous private practice, he was among the leaders of the Bar in the application of information technology in his area. I am very pleased there is somebody with his experience in a position to guide the implementation of this report.