Court Procedures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2011

Tuesday, 27 September 2011

Ceisteanna (366)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

398 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in other countries courts are allowed make pro bono costs orders when a winning party is represented by a pro bono legal team and the costs then go to a suitable charity; if he will examine the introduction of such costs orders in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26106/11]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Under the law as it stands the costs that must be paid to the winning party to an action are calculated on the basis of what is necessarily and properly incurred for the conduct of the case. I have noted the Deputy's suggestion and will bear it in mind in the context of my development of proposals for reform of the law on legal costs.