Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 549: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources 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 is satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39306/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The cost of legal services incurred by my Department in 2007 and to date in 2008 is as follows.

The bulk of legal services expenditure arises as part of the complex commercial transactions including the National Broadband Scheme, the Metropolitan Area Networks and the Management Services Entity which oversees those Networks. These expenditures also include legal advisory costs associated with the Moriarty Tribunal.

My Department consults with the Chief State Solicitors Office and the Office of the Attorney General on legal matters and only engages external legal services as necessity dictates.