Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It would have an impact on road safety and lives. I assure the Deputy that this is an important matter. The rural transport network has proven to be of great social benefit to many who would otherwise not be able to get to their local town, for example.

We are conscious of the hiring of advisers by Departments. In the case the Deputy mentioned, the fees were for specialist legal advice that would not be available inside a Department. I assure the Deputy that, in so far as the Government is concerned, it tries to use the resources of all Departments to the greatest extent possible. It is only in cases where that expertise is not available that consideration is given to the hiring of specialist legal advisers.

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