asked the Minister for Finance if he will sanction a consultation fee for State counsel in all criminal cases so as to ensure that such consultations will be held and the cases presented with the maximum efficiency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fee for State Counsel.
Whenever in any criminal case a consultation is necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the prosecution, such consultation takes place and the appropriate fee is duly allowed as a matter of course.
Is the Minister aware that in most criminal prosecutions in the Circuit Court no consultation fee is certified, with the result that no consultation is held? I suggest that, in the interests of the public and of efficiency, the Minister should sanction the payment of a consultation fee in all criminal cases.
Why should I sanction a consultation fee in all criminal cases if counsel engaged do not consider a consultation necessary?
Would the Minister leave it to counsel to direct whether a consultation should be held or not?
I told the Deputy that, according to my information, where a consultation is in the opinion of counsel necessary, such consultation takes place.
If there is a fee there will always be a consultation.