I propose to take Questions Nos. 865 to 871, inclusive, together.
The primary mechanism for paying legal costs would be where an order for costs is made against the Minister, or where it is agreed to pay costs as part of an agreed settlement. Costs awarded on foot of a court order or settlement are legally binding therefore there is no requirement to seek prior approval.
I wish to advise the Deputy that, neither the Department of Finance, nor the bodies under the aegis, with the exception of the Central Bank, has funded, or is funding, legal costs of any litigation taken by an employee or former employee against the Department or body, in the last five years.
The Central Bank has advised me that it is not general practice to fund the legal costs of employees where that employee is in dispute with the Central Bank. Where such instances arise, through settlement agreement, mediation recommendation or otherwise, the Central Bank makes a contribution to the employee’s legal costs with the benefit of expert legal and/or HR professional advice.
The CBI has provided the following information in respect of such costs for the period in question:
2021 – 1 contribution to employee legal fees – €7,500
2024 – 2 contributions to employee legal fees – total €43,665
Any funding of employee legal costs in disputes against the Department or its Bodies would be subject to review by legal advisers and comply with all respective Circulars and permissions from any other department or agency, as required.
