Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Part of the problem has been not having information. We do not have the exact figures, and until we get the data and the analysis of how much is spent on the legal process, we cannot move. I have a note to the effect that the Department of Justice and Equality was unable to source a reliable information stream with regard to legal costs. We do not know the figures.

The implementation of the recommendation is contingent on the establishment of the office of legal cost adjudicators, OLCA, as provided for under the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015. The establishment of the OLCA is on target to take place at the end of the second quarter of 2019, that is, at the end of this quarter. This requires the passage of several supporting legislative amendments that are of course subject to the Oireachtas. The cost of insurance working group understands that a period of at least one or two years will be required from the time this new body becomes operational before an appropriate amount of data will be available to commence with a meaningful review.