Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To the end of 2015, a total of 58 bills of cost amounting to €13.945 million were settled for a total of €6.667 million. Settlement costs in excess of €20,000 are published by period on the Department's website. The Moriarty tribunal is currently dealing with the remaining applications for third party costs. The Sole Member has indicated that the majority of applications have been considered by him and only a limited number are still being considered. The breakdown of legal fees, administration and third party costs for the tribunal are: legal fees, €35.2 million; administration, €9.5 million; third party costs, €6.667 million; and other legal payments, €2.25 million. That gives a total of €53 million.

I will come back to the Chairman on the facilities for microfinance for small businesses. The Chairman mentioned tendering for legal fees. The Attorney General's office and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor have considered operating a tendering process for the engagement of counsel. The need to have freedom to choose the most appropriate counsel to ensure the best outcome for the State as well as the ability to engage counsel at short notice are major practical obstacles. The offices are concentrated on minimising the fees paid. The methodology used has been discussed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform which is satisfied with the approach they use generally.

With regard to Dáil reform, I suggested prior to the formation of the Government that the Ceann Comhairle might chair the reform of Standing Orders. The Chairman has often asked questions in the House to which the Ceann Comhairle replied, "I am only here to implement the Standing Orders. The House can change them if it wants", and he may have a valid point. The business committee is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle. Changes to Standing Orders are a matter that is independent of Government. I will raise the matter with the Ceann Comhairle for his consideration in terms of the way the business is conducted or the outcome of the business. I take the Chairman's point that his only remit is to say that he considered it and from his point of view, as Chairman of this committee, he feels there should be greater opportunity to make recommendations in that consideration. I will raise that with the Ceann Comhairle.