Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 91: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of requests for legal advice made by her Department to the Attorney General in respect of each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; the subject matter of each of these requests; if advice was subsequently furnished; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8993/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department has sought and obtained legal advice on a wide range of issues from the Office of the Attorney General over the period in question. Many issues require several separate legal advices. In addition, my Department employs its own legal adviser who deals with a wide range of matters requiring legal advice on an ongoing basis. Due to the confidential and privileged nature of legal advice, it would be inappropriate to provide details of the subject matter of the various advices sought. Litigation files are also dealt with by the Office of the Attorney General and are handled appropriately. The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel — a constituent part of the Office of the Attorney General — deals with the drafting of Bills for my Department.