Emer Currie
Ceist:
122. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details of the number of legal actions against his Department that have been resolved without going to court in line with the 2023 State Litigation Principles; if his Department is fully applying the State Litigation Principles in seeking to resolve any current or outstanding legal actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28838/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.
The State Litigation Principles came into force on 21 June 2023. The principles are guidelines to assist the State, including Government department officials and lawyers in upholding and maintaining high standards of ethics and integrity in the conduct of litigation.
The number of legal actions commenced against the Department (in which the Department is a named Respondent) since 2023 is 81. At least 3 of the legal actions initiated against the Department were struck out. To date, 15 legal actions have resolved without going to court. A number of legal actions have required a final court hearing. A number remain ongoing which may or may not be resolved without going to court.
I can confirm that my Department endeavours to act in accordance with the State Litigation Principles when conducting legal actions, including those proceedings which are resolved without going to court.
