Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on her plans regarding the pursuance of costs following the recent High Court decision on the O'Keeffe case. [13449/06]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the contact that her Department has had with the State Claims Agency with regard to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13351/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 95 together.

The State Claims Agency has responsibility for deciding on the issue of costs in the case to which the Deputy refers. The SCA has stated that it deals with each case on an individual basis and that its approach here will be measured and sensitive. The SCA will consult my Department on the issue of costs. I agree with its opinion that the matter should be pursued in a measured and sensitive way and I have asked my Department to convey my view that the issue of costs should be dealt with sympathetically. My Department will inform the SCA of this and reflect points made by the plaintiff to me in the course of correspondence.

Before a final decision on this matter can be taken by the SCA, it will engage with the solicitors for the plaintiff so that it can take full account of her circumstances. Arrangements for that process are now being put into place.