Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Let us be frank. If something goes wrong in the legal profession, someone is seriously discomfited. There are liberty issues. It is very serious. It is not to be likened to some other professions. This is something we constantly hear. Everybody is shocked when they hear about the cost of the legal fees, both counsel fees and solicitors' fees, associated with a case. Millions of euro is being paid in fees and one of the primary actors in that is the Bar. There does not seem to be recognition, certainly, in the way State procures services, that there is potential for a competitive market which could reduce the costs.