John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Owens inherited a number of legacy issues, including court cases. I note the VEC is tendering for legal services. When one considers the scale of the legal fees paid, what is the position in this regard? Has Mr. Owens had an opportunity to deal with these inherited issues and, if so, how did he approach the issues of litigation, tax settlements and so forth? I will not go through the figures as the Comptroller and Auditor General highlighted the astronomical fees that were paid. How did the cases develop to the point that such a large retainer was paid to the legal firm in question?