asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that the courthouse building in Ferbane, County Offaly, has been refused to responsible local organisations as a place for occasional meetings during hours in which it is not required for public business; and, if so, whether he will take steps to make this and other similar buildings so available on terms to be specified.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Ferbane Courthouse.
Mr. O'Higgins
The courthouse accommodation provided in Ferbane consists of a building that was formerly a school which has been let to the county council by the owners under an agreement which stipulates that the letting is for holding monthly District Courts and six special courts and for no other purpose. On these days the custody andcontrol of the building is vested in the District Court clerk but for the rest of the year the owners are free to grant or withhold permission for its use as they may think fit. A lease of the building on different terms, if it could be secured at all, would cost more and there does not appear to be any good reason for putting the county council to this extra expense or to the even greater expense of providing alternative accommodation, if such could be found, when the existing accommodation is reasonably satisfactory for the transaction of the business of the court.
On the general question, county registrars and District Court clerks are empowered to make lettings of courthouse accommodation of which they are the legal custodians to such persons and on such terms as they may think proper, and courthouse accommodation is regularly let to local bodies for occasional meetings.
Mr. O'Higgins
Would the Minister state who is the owner of the courthouse?
Mr. Boland
Some church body. I am not quite sure. I have not the exact name but I can let the Deputy know.
Mr. O'Higgins
I am asking the Minister as a supplementary question who is the owner who has let this courthouse to the county council?
Mr. Boland
It is some church body that owns it, I understand. I have not the exact name. I cannot tell the Deputy right now. I did not think that question would arise, but it is some church body that owns it.
Mr. O'Higgins
This matter is of some seriousness. Is the Minister aware that, ever since 1914, this courthouse has been available to local bodies in Ferbane, to different trade union organisations, to parochial committees and to bodies of that kind, for the purposes of ordinary peaceful meetings and in the last month this new restriction was imposed? I would ask the Minister to inquire into the reason for it and why, suddenly, the policy with regard to the use of the building has been changed.
Mr. Boland
I will inquire. I did not know that. That is my information that it is only let for the specific purposes I have mentioned.
Mr. O'Higgins
Will the Minister inquire further?
Mr. Boland
Yes. I will look into that.