Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which legal costs incurred by the State in respect of cases brought before the courts on constitutional grounds; the extent to which the complainants and/or plaintiffs contributed towards the costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6230/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have no responsibility to the Dáil for legal costs incurred by the State in respect of cases brought before the Courts on constitutional grounds. My responsibility is restricted to cases which come under the aegis of my Department. As the Deputy may be aware, where such cases are taken they are managed by each individual Department with the advice of the Attorney General's Office which is responsible for the State's costs while line Departments are responsible for meeting any third party costs granted. Unless costs are awarded against the State, no Department would be aware of the costs incurred by the plaintiff. I regret I cannot be of more assistance to the Deputy in this instance.