Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There is a great deal of merit in what the Deputy has said. Some of the legal fees that have come into the public domain in recent years, such as tribunal fees and fees for legal cases taken by the HSE and others, are disturbingly high. That is why we have embarked on a new procurement regime. The Office of the Chief State Solicitor has taken a number of initiatives in this regard. It would be useful to bring the details of these payments into the public domain, as suggested in the Deputy's question. I will try to ensure that process is concluded this year. My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, is devising procurement regimes that will save money across all areas of public procurement. As the Deputy is aware, we have appointed a new chief procurement officer. The area of legal fees needs particular and focused attention. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I assure him that the advice he has given will be heeded.

See this speech in context