Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 5

Written Answers. - Tribunals of Inquiry.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

411 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has the authority to appoint legal teams or representatives to tribunals, inquiries or other public committees of investigation under the aegis of his Department; the criteria used in the selection and appointment of these legal teams or representatives; the amount paid, or payable to date, which has been discharged, or is due to be discharged, from public funds to appointed legal teams or representatives since 1997; the names of legal teams or representatives appointed since 1997; the moneys paid or payable to these persons since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16916/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The selection of the legal team or representatives to a tribunal, inquiry or other public committee of investigation on behalf of the Minister is conducted by the Attorney General in consultation with the Department. The Attorney General will identify and nominate members of the legal team, including counsel if necessary. Such legal representation is paid for by the Department at rates of remuneration sanctioned by the Department and the Department of Finance in consultation with and pursuant to the recommendations of the Attorney General. In the time available for answering parliamentary questions, it has not been possible to compile the detailed information requested by the Deputy. The information sought is being compiled at present and I will forward it to the Deputy shortly.