Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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149. To ask the Taoiseach the current number of State solicitors operating here in different geographical areas; if he will detail the number of and identify the locations in which State solicitors were appointed on indefinite contracts and/or contracts that do not need to be re-advertised before the practice of lifetime appointments was ended; the number and detail of the location of State solicitors that currently operate that work under fixed term contracts that need to reapply for appointment at the end of their term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30329/13]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The appointment of State Solicitors was transferred from the Attorney General to the Director of Public Prosecutions in May 2007. When vacancies arise for State Solicitor positions the position is advertised and an open competition is run by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

There are 32 State Solicitor areas. Generally one State Solicitor is appointed to every county outside of Dublin. Exceptions to this rule apply in Counties Cork, Galway, Kildare, Limerick and Tipperary. In County Cork four State Solicitors have been appointed; one each for Cork City, Cork North East, Cork South East and Cork West. In County Limerick two State Solicitors have been appointed; one for Limerick City and one for Limerick County. Counties Galway, Kildare and Tipperary have all been divided into two State Solicitor areas.

The table below shows a list of all State Solicitor areas. The first column shows all areas where the State Solicitor holds a contract to age 65. The term of office of these State Solicitors may be extended by the Director of Public Prosecutions for one or more periods, each period not exceeding one year, subject to a maximum retirement age of 70 years. As these positions become vacant the practice is that they are advertised as fixed term contracts. The second column shows a list of all State Solicitor areas where the State Solicitor holds a fixed term contract.