asked the Minister for Justice the estimated total cost to the State involved in prosecuting the case against Mr. Paul Singer in respect of whom a habeas corpus motion was upheld by the Supreme Court.
21.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State v. Singer: Costs.
20.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Justice the cost to the State of the prosecution against Paul Singer which was terminated by the decision of the Supreme Court on 25th May, last, including the cost of investigations by and court attendances of the Gardaí, the salaries and special allowances earned by all persons including judges, district justices, counsel and solicitors for the State, court clerks, typists and all other civil servants during the periods in which they were involved in the case, witnesses' expenses, the cost of maintaining the accused in Mountjoy Jail, costs of counsel and solicitors for the applicant in the habeas corpus proceedings and all other expenses in connection with the case which will have to be borne by the Exchequer; and if he will estimate the costs where any are not yet ascertained or easily ascertainable.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.
The cost of the prosecution in this case, so far as can be ascertained, is estimated at £5,500. This figure is exclusive of the normal remuneration of members of the judiciary and of the public services who devoted broken periods of time to the case, the cost of which is not available and could not be estimated. The figure mentioned is also exclusive of the applicant's costs awarded to him by the Supreme Court which I am not in a position to estimate. However, it may be taken that the total expenses incurred have been substantial.
Could I ask the Minister if there is any way in which the public can be indemnified against this costly blundering by this part-time Attorney General in his mishandling of court cases in this way?
That is an entirely separate question.
Does the Minister not agree that such indemnification is necessary if this is going to continue and if he is not to be asked to resign?
The Deputy is always very zealous when he is attacking somebody who is not here to defend himself against attack. That is typical of the Deputy.
Mr. Ryan
If the Attorney General is in Strasbourg he went there of his own accord.
Public money is involved——
Mr. Ryan
In view of the Minister's reluctance to give the simple figures regarding the salaries earned by district justices and others during the days on which they sat in connection with this case, would he say whether I am right in stating that at least £12,000 is the total cost of the Attorney General's mistake?
The Deputy is just throwing mud.
Had the Attorney General any special qualifications when he was appointed since he was not a member of this House?
The question of the Attorney General's appointment does not arise.
I would not expect that from the Deputy.
You asked for it and now you are getting it. His brother married into the previous Taoiseach's family. Now you have it and you cannot take it.
Order.
(Interruptions).
The Deputy is well able to sling mud.