Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach answered questions on this matter previously. It is not very exciting stuff. How much work is outsourced from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to private solicitors? What is the nature and extent of that work and is a figure available as to the annual cost to the taxpayer? The Taoiseach will also be aware that last year, the DPP voiced some considerable concerns about the backlog of cases before him, that it could not be cleared and that a period of years might elapse before they would come before the courts. The Taoiseach informed the House last March that there were 17 staff vacancies in the Chief State Solicitor's office consisting of nine professional, five technical and three support staff. Has the Taoiseach an up to date report on whether those positions have been filled or whether vacancies currently exist? If the Taoiseach has the information to hand, will he inform the House on the progress achieved between the offices of the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions on the implementation of the recommendations?

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