asked the Minister for Justice if he will state (a) the number of days on which the case known as the Singer case was before the Courts, (b) the date on which the proceedings were first heard by the Courts, (c) the total amounts paid to date by the State in respect of the case, (d) the main heads of expenditure, (e) the estimated balance yet to be paid and (f) the main heads under which it will be paid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Paul Singer Court Proceedings: State Expenditure.
122.
The reply is in the form of a tabular statement which, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
The following is the statement:-
(a) 230 days
(b) 1st June, 1959
(c) £24,147 17s. 9d.
|
(d) |
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
Counsels' Fees |
17,592 |
13 |
0 |
|
Costs to Dr. Singer |
576 |
10 |
6 |
|
Gratuity to Mr. Carroll, Chief State Solicitor's Office |
250 |
0 |
0 |
|
Witnesses' expenses |
4,243 |
17 |
4 |
|
Clerical Assistance, Stenography, stationery, upkeep in prison and travelling, etc., expenses of Gardal |
1,484 |
16 |
11 |
|
£24,147 |
17 |
9 |
Final figures under headings (e) and (f) are not yet available.
Could the Minister give us an approximate idea of what balance has yet to be paid?
I am afraid I cannot.
Is it so gargantuan that it cannot be mentioned?
No. In a number of cases, the amount has not yet been actually determined.
Are there much more legal proceedings?
That is not a matter for me.
What is your guess?
I never guess.
Has the Minister seen the estimate of £200,000?
I think it is ridiculous.
Would half that amount be about the figure?
I would not say so.
It is an expensive commodity.