Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There was a projected overrun on the general law expenses. The law costs subhead covers the payment of legal costs awarded by the courts in judicial review matters and other legal proceedings. The projected overrun of €400,000 in 2024 is principally due to an increased number of claims arising from a significant general increase in court activity in recent years. These cases were settled on behalf of the office of the State Claims Agency, which manages third-party legal cost claims against State authorities. Following the court's decision to award costs, the other party makes its claim. In the case of smaller, more straightforward cases, a figure may be agreed prior to the court making a final order in the case. If not, the other side will draw up a bill of costs following the awarding of costs by the court. This is forwarded to the State Claims Agency, which manages third-party legal cost claims against State authorities. Following negotiations, the State Claims Agency will agree a figure, pay the claim and recover this amount then from our office.