Departmental Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2015

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Questions (170)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

170. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual saving to her Department if spending on professional fees, including but not limited to legal, IT-related, accountancy and other advisory and consultancy fees, was reduced by 10%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26953/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

A total of circa €56.3m inclusive of VAT in professional fees was paid over the period from 1st June 2014 to 31st May 2015, 95% of which was incurred in the operation of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme. The annual saving to the Exchequer of a 10% reduction in professional fees at this rate, would be in the region of €5.6m inclusive of VAT.