Sean Barrett (Independent)

I raise the issue of the Revised Estimate for the Office of the Attorney General, about which Members have received papers in the recent past. Its budget will increase by 12%, with increases of 11% and 9% on administration and pay, respectively, as well as provision for 5% more employees. I speak in the context of the difficulties being experienced by all offices at present and the worrying point concerns the comprehensive spending review on that office. The output statements state the office will endeavour to deliver in 2012 a level of output and quality of service similar to that in 2011. It also undertakes that the office will maintain the panels of counsel from which it will brief counsel on behalf of the State to provide advice and litigation services, as well as maintaining and updating of the electronic Irish Statute Book. There also are two references to the office's role in the IMF agreement but that agreement states legal costs in Ireland are excessive and are part of the sheltered service sector.