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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 1

Written Answers. - Courtroom Accommodation.

Seán Haughey

Question:

250 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to convert into a courthouse the Riverbank Theatre, Merchants Quay, Dublin 8; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this would have serious implications for the Irish Theatre Workshop; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18490/96]

The Deputy will be aware that the Government recently announced the appointment of additional judges for the Circuit, High and Supreme Courts. There are further appointments to be made to the District Court and the Circuit Court and these will be announced in due course.

As some of these additional judges will be sitting in the Dublin Metropolitan area it is necessary to provide additional courtroom accommodation in the Dublin area until further accommodation becomes available in the Four Courts area in about four to five years. Ideally, this courtroom accommodation should be as close to the Four Courts as possible.

The Riverbank Theatre has been offered for letting on the open market since about June last and, in view of its location and suitability for use as a court venue, the Department of Justice, through the Office of Public Works, indicated its interest in leasing the building as temporary courtroom accommodation and negotiations are at an advanced stage. My Department's intention is to adapt the building, which it is understood has not been used as a theatre for about a year, for use as courtroom accommodation.

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