Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 611: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department has sought legal advice from outside legal advisers and the fees paid to each such legal advisers in 2004 and 2005. [15773/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On occasion and with the consent of the Office of the Attorney General, outside legal advisers have been engaged by my Department for the provision of specific legal advice. The details for 2004 and 2005 are as set out in the following table.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 612: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the legal advisers or other qualified lawyers employed in a professional capacity by State bodies under the aegis of her Department. [15787/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The recruitment of staff, including legal advisers and other qualified legal personnel, by the State bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the bodies concerned. While I retain responsibility for policy issues, I am not responsible for the day-to-day operational activities of these bodies which are statutorily independent. However, I am informed by the bodies concerned that there are no legal advisers or other qualified lawyers employed in a professional capacity by State bodies under the aegis of my Department.