Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 2

Written Answers. - Courts Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

209 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will allocate sufficient funding to the Courts Service to facilitate the improvement of existing courthouses and the provision of new structures where so required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24034/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):

The Courts Service was established on 9 November 1999 and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the courts. Under the Courts Service Act, 1998, it is independent in the performance of its functions including the provision, management and maintenance of court buildings.

The total amount provided in the Abridged Estimate volume for 2003 for the Courts Service is €84.431 million, of which €19.6 million is allocated to courthouses or capital works and €10.3 million to the maintenance of courthouses and offices.

Having regard to the statutory independence of the Courts Service, the Deputy will appreciate that it is a matter for the Courts Service to decide how funding provided is specifically allocated in connection with its ongoing replacement and refurbishment programme.