asked the Minister for Justice if he will arrange for an inspection of all courthouses in the Laois-Offaly area with a view to having repairs carried out and facilities provided to enable members of the public and solicitors to discuss in privacy affairs relating to court hearings.
Written Answers. - Laois-Offaly Courthouses.
104.
With certain exceptions in the Dublin area, the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of courthouse accommodation rests by law on local authorities.
The extent, type and condition of accommodation required for court purposes are matters which are the subject of continuing discussions between my Department and local authorities. From these discussions, I have access to all the relevant information concerning court accommodation in Counties Laois and Offaly.
In the matter of repairs, I am satisfied from the information I have access to that the majority of courthouses in the area are in good repair and condition. The question of repairing and redecorating a few courthouses that need to be attended to has been taken up with the local authorities. Work has already commenced on one such courthouse and in another case the relevant local authority is endeavouring to procure suitable alternative accommodation.
With regard to the provision of facilities for solicitors and client consultations, this is a matter which has to be considered in the light of the circumstances obtaining in relation to each court venue. Factors such as the nature of existing accommodation, the nature and volume of court business transacted and the frequency of sittings at the venue have to be taken into consideration. In some cases, taking these factors into consideration, it might not be reasonable to insist on expensive adaptation of, or addition to, existing premises which would place a financial burden on the ratepayers disproportionate to the need for purpose-built consultation facilities.
However, the Deputy may take it that it is my policy to aim towards the provision of reasonable consultation facilities in all court premises, and that I will avail myself of every suitable opportunity of ensuring that such facilities are provided.