Departmental Legal Costs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017

Tuesday, 21 March 2017

Questions (581)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

581. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection the total amount spent externally by his Department on legal advice for each year since 2015; the solicitors firms involved; the barristers, junior and senior, who provided services to his Department for each such year; the amounts paid to each firm or person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14138/17]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Legal advice and services are provided to the Department by Legal Advisors who are seconded to the Department from the Office of the Attorney General. That Office, together with the Chief State Solicitors Office, determines if, and procures and pays for, any external legal advice that may be required and incurs any expenditure arising.