Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 7: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the progress made in relation to the implementation of the recommendations made in the Nally report on the reorganisation of the Office of the Chief State Solicitor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35238/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 8: To ask the Taoiseach if all of the recommendations made in the Nally report on the reorganisation of the Office of the Chief State Solicitor have now been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44305/09]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.

As my predecessor indicated to the House on 3 October 2007 and on 8 April 2008, and as I indicated on 12 November 2008 and on 27 May 2009 in response to similar questions, the implementation of the relevant recommendations of the Nally report in regard to the reorganisation of the Office of the Chief State Solicitor was completed in 2007.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In regard to the Director of Public Prosecutions-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I remind Deputy Kenny that questions in regard to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are outside the scope of questions.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

How many people are currently employed in the Office of the Chief State Solicitor? What is the position in terms of that office meeting the Taoiseach's demands for a reduction in staffing levels?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The following is the situation in respect of the Office of the Chief State Solicitor as a result of the Nally report. Approval was given in January 2007 for the recruitment of 16 additional staff. The office currently has an authorised staffing level of 249 full-time equivalents and has a total of 233 full-time equivalent staff serving in the office and is carrying two vacancies. Like all Departments and offices, the Office of the Chief State Solicitor is subject to reductions in expenditure, staff numbers and retirements under the early retirement scheme. The office has reduced its staff by 14 posts and is currently carrying two vacancies. As such, 249 less 14 plus the two vacancies equates to 233 serving staff.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is work from the Chief State Solicitor's office being outsourced? Is all of the body of work carried out by that office undertaken in-house or is it being contracted to outside agencies and so on?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy will be aware that much work in a solicitor's office is dealt with by counsel in terms of the preparation of briefs where cases in litigation are being taken and that this may require the employment of barristers and so on. Obviously, this type of work - if one wishes to call it that - is outsourced. The office conducts its own administrative arrangements and legal requirements, as in the case of any other solicitor's office.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An bord snip nua made recommendations in respect of the Office of the Chief State's Solicitor to the effect that savings of €400,000 be achieved through the suppression of vacancies and efficiencies in external legal services and other administrative expenses. What consideration has been given to this recommendation and how will its implementation be squared with the conclusions of the Nally report?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

All of those issues are considered in the context of there being fewer staff than authorised in that office. A reduction by way of 14 qualified staff, depending on their grade and work, would equate to that amount.