Mr. Liam O'Daly:

I am conscious that the issue of costs is of concern to the Committee of Public Accounts. A barrister does not mark a fee for his or her services and we agree. At the end of a case, when the fee sheets are submitted by the barrister, they are vigorously assessed. The barristers do not dictate the fee. Since 2008, the vigorous process of scrutinising barristers' fees has resulted in a fall in cost of approximately 48%.