Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2017
223. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of the recent McCartan report of the assessment on the Stardust fire of 14 February 1981, including the payments made to former Judge McCartan, legal researchers, counsel and to expert fire, construction or other specialist advisors called in by Judge McCartan and his report staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48119/17]
View answerThe total cost of the independent Stardust assessment process was €105,736.83. Sanction was obtained by my Department from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the basis that costs did not exceed €114,834 and that expenditure could be met within my Department’s existing financial allocations.
Judge McCartan was paid a fee, which represented the differential between his current judicial pension and his former judicial salary. In addition, some costs arose in respect of Junior Counsel, Gary Fitzgerald, who was chosen by the Judge to assist with the assessment process.
The Stardust Victims' Committee sought costs for its researcher who produced the Committee’s submission to Judge McCartan. The Committee also sought costs for its legal advisor.
The detailed breakdown of costs associated with the independent assessment follows:
Judge McCartan’s fees: €43,909 approx.
Judge McCartan’s travel costs: €643 approx.
Judge McCartan’s administration costs (i.e. photocopying): €94.93
Junior Counsel costs (i.e. appointed to assist Judge McCartan): €16,884.21
Committee researcher costs (i.e. production of Committee submission): €34,193.13
Committee legal advisor costs: €9,682.56
Committee miscellaneous expenses: €330
There were no costs associated with office accommodation. The independent assessment process availed of office accommodation and meeting facilities at Tom Johnson House, which is a Government property in the ownership of the State.
