I wish to inform the Deputy that, for the most part, the legal services sought by my Department are coordinated and paid for by the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor's Office. These services are typically sought in the context of the preparation of legislation, legal advice in respect of policy issues and in the management of litigation including judicial reviews. In a number of instances, my Department has sought and paid for legal advice and services additional to those provided centrally by the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor.
The information requested by the Deputy concerning external legal services is set out in the following table:
Year
|
Amount (€)
|
2007
|
1,773,478
|
2008
|
1,337,005
|
2009
|
244,818
|
2010
|
179,295
|
2011
|
135,000
|
Total
|
3,669,596
|