Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 4

Written Answers - Beef Tribunal Legal Fees.

Hugh Byrne

Question:

168 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current progress and likely outcome of his commitment to reduce legal fees arising from the beef tribunal; if he has considered entering into or has actually entered into discussions with persons (details supplied) in the matter; the way in which the State's burden of their legal fees at the tribunal might be reduced; if he has asked for or received any offer from members of the Government not to pursue costs for their legal representation at the tribunal; when he will report progress on this important commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3646/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The position relating to the legal costs incurred by some members of the present Government is that the sole member of the tribunal was satisfied that the award of their costs was justified.

As I indicated in the reply to Questions Nos. 23 and 32 on 16 February all legal fees payable in respect of the beef tribunal which are the subject of costs orders made by the sole member of the tribunal will be subject to a decision of a taxing master of the High Court and the strongest possible case will be made to the taxing master to ensure that the fees paid are kept to the absolute minimum.