Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Chief State Solicitor's Office.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

54 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the progress made to date in implementing the recommendations of the Nally group on the public prosecution system; the additional staff, if any, provided for the Chief State Solicitor's office in view of the findings of the DPP in the Nora Wall case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1345/00]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

55 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the steps, if any, being taken to deal with the problems which have led to staff taking industrial action in the Chief State Solicitor's office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1454/00]

John Bruton

Ceist:

56 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the effects of the dispute in the Chief State Solicitor's office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1697/00]

The Taoiseach:

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 to 56, inclusive, together.

A working group on the implementation of the recommendations of the Nally group report commenced work in November 1999. The group comprises representatives from the Office of the DPP, the Department of Finance, the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor's office. It is considering the staffing levels and structures necessary in an enhanced prosecution service. I understand that considerable progress has been made but I am not yet in a position to set out any new arrangements. The staffing and grading issues in the Chief State Solicitor's office are being considered in parallel with proposals for the staffing and grading of the new Office of Solicitor to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Regular discussions with staff side representatives have taken place and are continuing both in relation to internal CSSO matters and on the implications of the Nally group recommendations.

I understand that steps have been taken by the CSSO to address the workload problems in some sections. The numbers at recruitment level in professional and technical grades have been increased by five over the past six months. Furthermore, additional promotional posts have been created to provide a more attractive career structure for new staff. Also, counsel are being engaged in some larger cases to prepare books of evidence.

The industrial action is creating general inconvenience and is slowing down the preparation of cases for court. At this stage, I would prefer not to comment further.