Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 1

Written Answers. - Payment to Greencore Inspectors.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

161 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice whether it is correct that the Greencore inspectors were each paid £1,750 per day plus expenses; whether the daily rate applied to a five-day week or also included Saturdays and Sundays; the total payment to each with a complete breakdown of the different items; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Flynn)

Under the 1990 Companies Act I am responsible in the first instance for the remuneration of inspectors appointed by the High Court under sections 7 and 8 of the Act. My Department have accordingly met the costs of the inquiry conducted by Inspectors Barry and Foley over the period 16 September 1991 to 24 February 1992.

As previously stated by my predecessor in oral reply to Question No. 17 on 22 October 1991, the inspectors were each paid a fee of £1,750 in respect of every certified full day's work on the inquiry. It was up to the inspectors themselves to determine whether they worked on Saturdays and Sundays; in practice, I understand, they normally did.

In addition the inspectors incurred expenses in the course of their inquiry to cover such items as support staff, administrative and secretarial services, office expenses, engagement of legal services both here and in England, stenographic and security services. These were borne by my Department, where possible on the basis of actual vouched outlay or otherwise on terms agreed with the inspectors.

To date a total of £801,366 in fees and expenses (including VAT) has already been paid out, broken down as indicated at Table A below. It is estimated that a further £351,000 in fees and expenses (including VAT) will also arise, in connection with the inquiry: a likely breakdown of these fees and expenses is indicated at Table B below.

Under section 13(1) of the 1990 Companies Act, the High Court may direct that the costs borne by my Department be recouped. I am anxious that the taxpayers should be relieved to the greatest extent possible of this burden and I will be seeking a direction from the court in favour of full recoupment.

Table A

Expenditure on Greencore enquiry up to 24 February 1992

Nature of expenditure	Cost	V.A.T.	Gross total
Inspectors' Fees	350,750.00	73,657.50	424,407.50
Support staff charges	239,706.25	50,338.31	290,044.56
Fees for legal work	33,497.87	6,294.14	39,792.01
Miscellaneous charges	22,473.83	2,430.54	24,904.37
Stenographic Services	20,854.40	1,363.95	22,218.35
Total Cost	667,282.35	134,084.44	801,366.79

Table B

Estimated further expenditure on Greencore inquiry

Nature of expenditure	Estimated cost	Estimated V.A.T.	Estimated total
Inspectors' Fees	176,750.00	37,117.50	213,867.50
Support staff charges	60,000.00	12,600.00	72,600.00
Fees for legal work	31,000.00	6,510.00	37,510.00
Miscellaneous charges	21,500.00	4,250.00	25,750.00
Stenographic services	2,000.00	0.00	2,000.00
Total	291,250.00	60,477.50	351,727.50