OVER €9.5 MILLION was spent by the State on court fees in 2012, an answer to a Parliamentary Question has revealed.

The question had been asked by Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson on justice and equality, Niall Collins, and showed that one barrister, Emily Farrell, was paid €519,772.75 in 2012.

Farrell, who lists constitutional law and medical law as her specialities, had also been the highest earner in 2011, taking in €408,868. In 2010, she earned €323,888.

Siobhan Stack, who practices in judicial reviews and administrative law, earned the second highest amount in 2012 – €338,603.72. She had been paid €296,079 in 2011.

David Conlan Smyth, who specialises in European Law, was paid €252,225.93 in 2012 – the third highest amount. He was paid €317,069 in 2011, €372,510 in 2010 and €288,981 in 2009.

In all, 24 legal professionals were paid over €100,000 each.

The sister of Kerry South TD Michael Healy-Rae, Rosemary Healy, received €15,400.20 in 2012.

Senator Ivana Bacik received €787.71.

Separately, 42 solicitors (or practices) received payments in 2012 which totalled €143,997.62.

All payments were made by the Office of the Chief State’s Solicitor and the Attorney General’s Office.

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