Olwyn Enright
Question:169 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance his views on the cost of legal representation at the tribunals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5462/03]
Written Answers - Tribunals of Inquiry.
As I have stated on several occasions in the recent past, I am increasingly concerned at the ongoing and cumulative costs of tribunals of inquiry established over the past number of years. I am particularly concerned at the legal costs falling on the taxpayer from such tribunals.
The Office of the Attorney General negotiates the rates paid to legal counsel for the State and the tribunals. However, the major legal costs on the Exchequer in the case of tribunals of inquiry arise from the award of costs by the tribunal to other parties legally represented at the tribunals. The position is that where such parties are awarded costs, the costs are subject to independent assessment by the taxing master after the completion of the tribunal.
I am acutely aware of the need to do whatever is possible to contain the legal costs of tribunals of inquiry and I am exploring the issue with the Attorney General.