124. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Taoiseach the number of legal cases currently ongoing against his Department including State agencies under his aegis; the number of cases that took place during the years 2011 to 2014, inclusive; the cost of those that were contested and what damages were involved; the costs and damages of those that were settled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43271/15]

There are currently four legal cases pending against my Department (including State agencies under its aegis), two of which are being managed by the State Claims Agency. Four legal cases took place during the years 2011 to 2014. The total legal costs incurred by my Department from 2011 to 2014 in respect of these cases is provided in the table.

The table does not include any costs that have been incurred in relation to the Tribunal of Inquiry (Moriarty) or the Commission of Investigation (Fennelly).

*In 2012 my Department paid €241,676 in legal costs incurred in respect of the applicant's costs in proceedings taken against the previous Government about the holding of a by-election in Donegal South-West.