Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2016
46. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the overall bill for legal services incurred by the State; if he is taking steps to co-ordinate actions to achieve greater value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13094/16]
View answerIn recent years, with a view to achieving significant reductions in the State's legal costs, my Department has been actively engaged with the State organisations which have direct responsibility in the field, i.e. the State's Law Offices - the Office of the Attorney General (principally the Office of the Chief State Solicitor) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions - and the Department of Justice and Equality.
Major reductions, varying between 8% and 12%, have been effected in regard to legal fees paid by the State. In addition, with the encouragement of my Department, the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions have introduced enhanced mechanisms for rigorous examination of claims for fees.
The work of the Law Offices is, as you are aware, demand-led. The area has experienced a very significant increase in the work being handled by the Offices in terms of both complexity and size. However, due to the initiatives outlined above, it has been possible to maintain the overall allocations for counsel fees payable by the Offices at broadly the same level as pertained in 2011.
In tandem with the reduction of fees to counsel, the Office of Government Procurement in my Department is working on reducing the cost of solicitor services provided for the State. The Office intends putting in place during 2016 a National Framework for Solicitors Legal Services for Whole of Government.
This Framework will be underpinned by the following:
- Improved operational efficiencies and reduced costs;
- Discipline, continuity and consistency to the provision of legal services;
- Establishment of a supply base with broad service coverage and improved service quality;
- A framework structure which has the potential to impact positively on the Irish economy and society.
The Framework will provide an opportunity for public service bodies to leverage the full buying power of the State in delivering value for money in the legal costs area, reduce risk through standardised terms and conditions, and reduce their own administration costs.
