Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 2

Written Answers. - Beef Tribunal Costs.

Ivor Callely

Question:

241 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the total moneys paid out to discharge the costs and expenses of the beef tribunal; the basis for such costs; and if he will give details of the approval for such payments. [6610/97]

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

The total cost to date of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the beef processing industry is £13,388,516.23, of which the following amounts have been paid in legal fees:

— £5,838,505.86 in respect of legal costs awarded by the Taxing Master;

— £1,777,104.60 in respect of the legal fees of the State Legal Team; and

— £1,865,476.80 in respect of the legal fees of the Tribunal Legal Team.

The remaining costs arose from the provision of premises, photocopying, stationery, printing costs, stenographer fees, consultancy fees and witness expenses.

The legal costs awarded by the Taxing Master are a result of Cost Orders dated 29 July 1994 made by the Chairman of the Tribunal in accordance with Section 2 (b) of the Tribunal of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921 and Section 6 (1) of Tribunal of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Act, 1979.

The approval for other payments made by the Tribunal was given by Government decision of 21 May 1991 that the cost of the inquiry would be met from the Vote of the Department of Agriculture and Food.