Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 5

Written Answers. - Legal Representation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

458 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has the authority to appoint legal teams or representatives to tribunals, inquiries or other public committees of investigation under the aegis of his Department; the criteria used in the selection and appointment of these legal teams or representatives; the amount paid, or payable to date, which has been discharged, or is due to be discharged, from public funds to appointed legal teams or representatives since 1997; the names of legal teams or representatives appointed since 1997; the moneys paid or payable to these persons since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16918/03]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

The selection and appointment of a legal team or representative to a tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation on behalf of a Minister is conducted by the Attorney General in consultation with the relevant Department with reference to any grant of representation arising from the tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation in respect of the Minister concerned. Costs associated with such representation are borne by the Department at rates of remuneration sanctioned by the Department and the Department of Finance in consultation with, and pursuant to, the recommendations of the Attorney General.

No appointments of the type described by the Deputy have been made in respect of my Department since its establishment. Nor were any such appointments made in respect of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands during the period in question.