Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

256. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent by his Department and by the Veterinary Council of Ireland on legal fees, investigations and fitness to practice proceedings in the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55619/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Litigation is dealt with on behalf of my Department by the Attorney General’s Office, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office or the State Claims Agency, who engage lawyers to act for my Department where necessary. The costs of any external solicitors or counsel in such litigation are not managed by my Department.

The Veterinary Council of Ireland is under the aegis of the Department and the information sought from that body is an operational matter for the Council. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Council and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.