Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On the first issue, as was pointed out, all initiatives and recommendations of Nally were implemented and the conclusions and recommendations were agreed. The matter of the State solicitor was held for further discussion. The current system of appointing State solicitors through open competition, which was the initiative proposed at that time, is working well. It is done through open competition now and there is no decision to change from that position. It changed from the old system to open competition.

Other issues arose from that. Following that report, State solicitors put forward a number of staffing initiatives which were examined by the Chief State Solicitor's office. That has been an industrial relations issue for the past year or two. The office has been dealing with the State Solicitors Association which now acts for State solicitors. Because of the way State solicitor offices are now formed, staff and costs differ from county to county. Some offices are large, such as Cork, Limerick and Galway, while others are small.

Negotiations have been trying to reach an offer which can be used across the system. Three offers have been turned down. Last week or the week before, the State Solicitors Association did not accept the latest offer and wish to have further discussions on the matter, particularly on the issue of personal pay and remuneration element. New contracts will have to be agreed with the DPP. I am advised efforts are continuing although three offers have been rejected since Easter — in May, June and September. If agreement can be achieved, new State solicitors' contracts which have been subject to open competition since Nally will have to be agreed with the Director of Public Prosecutions. As I understand it, that work cannot be finalised without agreement on salaries, expenses and overheads. The State solicitors' offices are an important part of the legal system.

In reply to Deputy Kenny, the DPP has put forward a number of points in speeches on how he wishes to change the format of his office. I understand the changes are subject to the annual budget exercise handled by my officials. Discussions with the Department of Finance on those issues have not finished. I am not sure whether the policy office mentioned is part of that. I know the DPP has proposals and initiatives on accommodation and other issues being discussed at present.

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