Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which his Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he has satisfied himself that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39305/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In general, whenever the Department requires legal services, it obtains these from the Office of the Attorney General and/or the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. The associated costs are borne directly by those two Offices.

However, on occasion and in exceptional circumstances, the Department, including the National Archives, obtains legal services from other sources. In 2007 and 2008 (to date), the costs associated with such other legal services are as set out in tabular form below.

When it is considered necessary to obtain legal services from other than the Chief State Solicitor's Office or the Office of the Attorney General, a primary consideration is the minimisation of the associated costs, including in the ongoing management of the contract for these services, where applicable. Accordingly, I remain satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise such costs. In the case of the agencies under the aegis of the Department, the securing of external legal services and the associated costs are a matter for the agencies themselves.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39518/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Department does not, in general, directly manage any capital projects but rather provides grants to organisations/groups towards the development of arts and culture and sports facilities. In respect of the agencies under the aegis of the Department, the direct management of any capital projects, including adherence to financial budgets, is a matter for the agencies themselves.