Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
862 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has carried out an analysis of legal costs and fees paid by all local authorities for the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if better value for money will be achieved from the employment of solicitors in each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1025/10]
View answerThe information sought in the Question is not available in my Department. The provision or procurement of legal services is the responsibility of individual local authorities.
Local authorities employ a variety of approaches in relation to obtaining legal services. Some local authorities employ legal professionals who are recruited in accordance with public sector recruitment rules. Other local authorities retain the services of a solicitor. Decisions in this context are a matter for individual local authorities having regard to their own circumstances and the appropriate public procurement procedures.
