Written answers

Thursday, 8 May 2008

Department of Education and Science

Legal Costs

5:00 pm

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 479: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of subhead B19 of the Revised Estimates 2008 which saw an increase from €7.394 million to €18.132 million to be distributed by the Commission on Child Abuse and its committees, largely related to legal charges, he will publish the list of legal firms, solicitors and barristers who were paid legal fees; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17924/08]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse was established under statute to investigate child abuse in institutions in the State, to enable persons who have suffered such abuse to give evidence to committees of the Commission and to prepare and publish a report of findings and recommendations considered appropriate for the alleviation of the effects of past child abuse and for the protection of children. The Commission is independent in the performance of its functions under legislation.

To date, a large number of costs insofar as they relate to representing complainants, have been settled or are currently being negotiated, with a view to settlement in the short term. In respect of representation of respondents a large number of these legal costs remain outstanding. These are currently under negotiation between the Commission and the solicitors acting for the respondents.

Accordingly, €18.132 million has been allocated to the Commission of which approximately €13 million is available to meet the negotiated settled costs during this year.

As the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions it is a matter for the Commission to publish the details in respect of the legal fees it pays to legal firms.

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