Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

3338. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if all external legal fees incurred by his Department, and by any bodies under its aegis, are charged at negotiated discounted rates; how fees are monitored for compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41505/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In general, decisions around fee arrangements and applicable rates are a matter for the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO). My Department has processes and systems in operation to ensure that public financial procedures are being complied with. When external legal services are procured, fees are agreed on a case-by-case basis.

All legal costs for my Department are included within the published Appropriation Accounts, under 6.1 within Vote 45. Please find the link below. The 2024 Accounts are currently under audit and will be published once the audit is complete.

:

Legal costs incurred by agencies under the aegis of the Department are a matter for the agencies themselves. Contact details for the aegis bodies are attached.