Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 2

Written Answers. - Departmental Offices.

Richard Bruton

Question:

149 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reasons for the establishment of a legal unit in his Department; the functions and objectives of the legal unit; when he received approval to establish the legal unit; the reason for the delay in forwarding a job specification to the Civil Service Commission in order that the position of head of the legal unit can be advertised; if he will outline any difficulties that the delay in appointing a head to the legal unit has caused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18068/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

It is proposed to establish a legal unit in my Department to speed up the business of litigation and ensure ready access to relevant legal information. Discussions with the Attorney General's office on the job specification for the head of the unit are taking place. The post will be advertised on conclusion of the discussions and following receipt of formal approval for the post and job description from the Minister for Finance.

The main benefits of the new arrangements will be a speeding up of the administration of legal business within the Department.