Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 7

Written Answers. - Beef Tribunal Fees.

Hugh Byrne

Ceist:

222 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 21 February 1995, from Deputy Mr. H. Byrne, if he will outline the process involved by his Department in making the strongest case to the Taxing Master of the High Court in ensuring that fees paid by his Department arising from the Beef Tribunal are kept to a minimum; in relation to a case being made to the Taxing Master, if the fees incurred by persons now serving as Ministers or Ministers of State at the Beef Tribunal will be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4484/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

As I indicated in reply to Question No. 168 of 21 February 1995 all legal fees which are the subject of costs orders will be subject to a decision of a Taxing Master of the High Court. This will include any fees falling to be paid in respect of legal representation of members of the Government. The Chief State Solicitor's Office will represent the State's case to the Taxing Master and will be instructed to ensure that costs are kept to the minimum.

I do not consider it appropriate for me to ask any person who was the subject of costs order to agree in advance of the Taxing Master's decision to reduce or forego costs.