Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2012
47. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expected total legal costs to be incurred in his Department in 2012; his proposals to reduce these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44067/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible to predict legal costs with certainty in advance. However, the Department has made budgetary provision for the following:
|
Account Code |
2012 Budgetary Provision for the department |
|
Legal Expenses (lawyers’ fees incurred at Headquarters and at Missions abroad) |
€105,500 |
|
Settlement Costs to cover matters such as personal injuries awards (excluding lawyers’ fees) |
€475,000 |
|
Premises legal fees to cover property-related legal costs at HQ and at Missions |
€50,000 |
It is anticipated that a similar level of budgetary provision will be made for 2013, but actual expenditure may differ considerably depending on events and outcomes of proceedings. The allocation for these costs is kept under review on an ongoing basis.
Litigation is dealt with on my Department’s behalf by the Chief State Solicitor’s Office and the State Claims Agency who engage lawyers to act for the Department where necessary in relation to personal injuries claims and other matters.
Legal advice on contractual and other matters arising from time to time is initially sought from the Chief State Solicitor’s Office and/or the Office of the Attorney General, and the use of external legal advisors for such requirements is kept to a minimum. Missions abroad may have to engage local legal advisers from time to time and in such cases Missions are under instruction to procure such services by competitive process in accordance with Guidelines issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
