Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A significant level of expertise is required to deal with European Court of Justice judgments, and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has lost 31 cases. This has been a significant problem for me to deal with. A number of planning inquiries were held and planning issues arose in Wicklow and other places. A level of expertise is required to explore these ongoing issues. This must be paid for and invoices have been issued. Mr. Seamus Woulfe, senior counsel, has been dealing with these matters on behalf of the Department.

I share the Deputy's concern about reducing consultancy fees as much as we possibly can, but nevertheless we cannot expose the Irish taxpayer and the Department to judgments of the European Court of Justice without having the necessary expertise. We cannot cover every aspect of every issue in-house so we must obtain the necessary services required in the marketplace and, unfortunately, they cost money.