Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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174. To ask the Minister for Health the number of barristers the Health Service Executive has retained in anticipation of legal action from tobacco companies over the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes; the length of time for which such barristers have been retained; the amount of money that has been spent on retainer fees; if he would lay out before Dáil Éireann the rationale for retaining barristers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26397/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In response to the Deputy's question six counsel have been retained on behalf of the State. These counsel have been retained since October 2013 and no fees have been paid to counsel to date. The rationale for retaining counsel is to advise on the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014, in anticipation of legal proceedings being issued against the State. In those circumstances, these matters are confidential and subject to legal privilege and it would not be appropriate to comment further.