THE Department of Agriculture and Food paid out £5.82 million in legal costs arising out of the beef industry tribunal last year, the Dail was told yesterday.

In a written reply, the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Yates, said that payments were made subject to appeals being lodged the strongest possible case was being made by the State that costs should be kept, to "the absolute minimum".

To date, a total of £13.37 million was paid out in costs under orders granted by the tribunal chairman, Mr Justice Hamilton.

A provision of £11 million had been made in the estimates for claims that may arise this year.