Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 2

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Richard Bruton

Question:

187 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm receipt of a letter together with a note, from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development in November 1999 concerning the establishment of a legal unit within that Department; his views on the proposed staffing in the note, in particular the statement that the head of the legal unit should be a barrister; if the position will be advertised; if so, when it will be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18069/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I can confirm receipt of the letter and the accompanying note referred to by the Deputy. I am in favour of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development having a legal unit which would enable its needs relating to litigation to be dealt with expeditiously, having due regard to the constitutional advisory functions of the Attorney General. Discussions on the details of the appropriate staffing for this unit have not been concluded and until they are it would not be appropriate for me to provide views on the matters listed by the Deputy.