Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not know if the following is the opinion of the Minister or whether he was quoting from a troika report. There was an indication that legal fees represent a significant drag on the economy and competitiveness. I am sure others will share my opinion that nobody in the legal profession is recession-proof, least of all barristers and solicitors. We all know how the recession has affected legal practices, with some being closed and others being downsized, with resulting job losses. In our deliberations we must keep a sense of proportionality, as some high-end or high-profile cases may be reported but under the veneer is an industry that services the country in every village, town and city across Ireland. These people are employers who contribute to the economy and the community. We should not come at the problem from the perspective that all the sector is bad, as everybody has to live.