If the subject matter, arising from the terms of reference, of a tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation is materially relevant and substantially impacts upon the functions, statutory or otherwise, of my Department, I, in consultation with the Attorney General, will decide as to whether he should make an application to the tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation for grant of legal representation before the tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation. If, by virtue of the terms of reference of the tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation, the tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation determines that I should be legally represented at the tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation, then a legal team or representation on my behalf will attend, either on a limited or non-limited basis at the hearings of the tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation. Such attendance is subject to the terms of the grant of representation from the tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation in respect of myself.
The selection and appointment of the legal team or representatives to a tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation on my behalf is conducted by the Attorney General in consultation with my Department. The Attorney General will identify and nominate members of the legal team, including counsel if necessary. Such legal representation is paid for by my Department at rates of remuneration sanctioned by my Department and the Department of Finance in consultation with, and pursuant to, the recommendations of the Attorney General.
Counsel who are appointed to a tribunal or non-statutory inquiry to represent the tribunal or non statutory inquiry itself are usually selected and appointed by the chairman of the tribunal or non-statutory inquiry in consultation with the Attorney General. Counsel who advise or represent parliamentary committee inquiries are usually selected and appointed by the parliamentary committee itself.
As far as I am aware, there have been no tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation since 1997 where I have been represented.