John Bruton
Question:16 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the steps, if any, taken to implement the report of the Review Group on the State's Legal Offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3062/98]
Written Answers. - State's Legal Offices.
The report of the review group was presented to the former Taoiseach by the former Attorney General on the day they both left office. Shortly after assuming office as Taoiseach I discussed the report with the Attorney General arising from which I set in train a process of consultation with all Government Departments, the Offices of the Revenue Commissioners and the Director of Public Prosecutions to obtain their observations on the report with a view to having it considered by Government.
The Deputy will be aware that the report is a quite detailed document which raises fundamental issues for consideration concerning the State's legal offices and their relationship with Government Departments and offices. I can inform the House, however, that observations of all Departments and offices consulted have now been received and the process of evaluation by my Department and the office of the Attorney General of these observations is reaching completion. I expect the Government will be considering the matter very shortly following which the report will be published and any decisions taken on foot of its consideration announced. I will arrange to have copies of the report and any announcement placed in the Oireachtas Library.