51. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Finance if the State will be able to recoup the €3.9 million costs associated with setting up an escrow account in 2018 in relation to a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41042/19]

I take it that the Deputy is referring to the recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General which outlines the costs associated with the recovery process and the establishment of the escrow fund.

As outlined in the report, these costs were incurred by the Department of Finance, Revenue Commissioners, Chief State Solicitor’s Office, NTMA and the Central Bank of Ireland.

In April 2018, the Minister for Finance and ASI and AOE entered into an escrow framework deed giving legal effect to arrangements for the recovery of the alleged State aid. The deed provides that each party pays its own fees and expenses incurred in respect of the drafting of the deed. Therefore it is not possible for the State to recoup costs incurred by it in the establishment of the escrow fund.