Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

202. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form, the legal fees paid by the Health Service Executive to each individual and organisation, including solicitors, counsel, guardians ad litem, third parties and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24814/13]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

203. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the Health Service Executive has failed to respond to numerous freedom of information requests in relation to the executive's legal expenditure for 2011; if he will confirm that records relating to HSE legal expenditure form 2011 exist in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24815/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.

The Public Service is a major consumer of legal services. All Government Departments/Offices and Agencies funded by the Exchequer must comply with EU Directives and national guidelines on procurement. Procurement of products, goods and services including legal fees which support the delivery of health care is a service matter.

The Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.