The total amount paid out by my Department in respect of legal fees in 2003 was €12,402,959.40. Of this figure, €12,145,395.99 refers to legal fees paid in respect of tribunals and in this regard the greatest amount in fees paid in 2003 was €4,083,103.90 to Malcomson Law. In 2003, the total amount paid out in respect of 42 cases inclusive of legal settlements, costs and continued service provision in certain cases was €3,044,583.16.
As the Deputy will be aware there is a significant delay between the time of settlement and submission of the bill of costs. The figure above represents settlements made in 2003 and includes costs and in some cases continued service provision costs.
I would like to inform the Deputy that the cost of legal services provided by the Chief State Solicitor and the Attorney General are paid from the Attorney General's Vote. Details of the legal costs associated with the hepatitis C and HIV compensation tribunal are contained in the accounts prepared by that tribunal.
Information as regards the total number of claims against my Department in 2003 is not readily available. The information is being collated and will be provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.
