Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Finance the expected total legal costs to be incurred in his Department in 2012; his proposals to reduce these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44066/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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My Department has a budget of €6.6m for Consultancy & Other Costs in 2012, which includes costs relating to the provision of legal advice. The actual outturn is expected to be substantially less than this figure because of the ongoing focus on managing these contracts, negotiating reductions and ensuring value for money. Current expectations are that the year end cost of legal services/advice will be in the region of €4.2m. Every effort is made to minimise these costs but the requirement for specialist advice will be dictated by issues arising in the market and costs will vary accordingly.