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Legal Costs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2019

Tuesday, 26 March 2019

Ceisteanna (114)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

114. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the solicitors and barristers that received payments from the Office of the Chief State Solicitor and the Office of the Attorney General during 2018 and to date in 2019; the amount each person received for their services; and the amounts owing for services in 2018 and to date. [13301/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The amounts paid to barristers and solicitors engaged by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor and the Office of the Attorney General during 2018 and to date in 2019 are set out hereunder:

2018 2019 (to date)

Barristers €13,996,357.66 €3,501,783.41

Solicitors €220,436.02 €8,192.34

In 2018 the Offices engaged the services of 32 solicitors and 302 barristers. In 2019, 9 solicitors and 204 barristers were engaged by the Offices.

I am advised by the Office of the Attorney General that they are currently examining the issue of whether details of individuals can be disclosed in the context of GDPR.

It is not possible to accurately determine the amounts owing to barristers for services provided in 2018 and 2019 but not yet paid. The Offices operate a robust system to determine the appropriate counsel fee level on a case-by-case basis. Following nomination by the Attorney General, counsel undertake the legal work and submit a fee note. The Offices evaluate each fee note to decide what level of fee is appropriate for the work performed, taking into account a variety of factors including, inter alia, case complexity, amount of work done by counsel, and performance of counsel. Hence the final fee to be paid is not determined until the end of the process.

There are no fees owing to solicitors at the present time.

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