Bernard Allen
Question:242 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the amount paid in legal fees by his Department in 1999, 2000 and 2001; the person or organisations who received a payment; and the amount of payment in each case. [1835/02]
Written Answers. - Departmental Expenditure.
The amounts expended in respect of legal costs by my Department during the years in question are as follows:–
|
Year |
Cases |
Amount of Costs |
|
1999 |
1,972 |
19,417,411 (£15,292,454) |
|
2000 |
2,464 |
16,973,919 (£13,368,048) |
|
2001 |
3,014 |
15,470,104 (£12,183,698) |
The vast majority of payments were made to firms of solicitors who represented members and former members of the Defence Forces in civil litigation actions against my Department in respect of alleged hearing loss.