Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his presentation. The significant shortfall of €1.377 million seems to be due to the payment of fees to counsel. Will the Minister of State or his officials explain the following? How are counsel paid by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions? Is a panel established for the selection of counsel? Is an hourly rate paid and applied across the public service when senior counsel are availed of? Will the Minister of State, please, outline the rates for senior counsel, junior counsel and so on?