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Court Accommodation Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2012

Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Questions (65)

Dara Calleary

Question:

65. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the closures of court buildings across the country; the total number of buildings closed by location since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55470/12]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, the Courts Service Act 1998 provides that management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions, which include the provision of accommodation for court sittings. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and have been informed that the Courts Service has been reviewing all aspects of its organisational and operational structures throughout the country with the specific objective of ensuring that the Service can continue to maintain the delivery of front line court services and an appropriate level of service to court users. I understand that no court venue has been singled out for or indeed exempted from the review process. In this context a comprehensive review of venues has recently been completed, the purpose of which was to establish a general framework within which venues could be considered for closure taking into account a range of criteria such as caseload, proximity to an alternative venue, physical condition of the building, availability of cells etc. The likely impact on other Justice agencies, such as An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service, is also taken into account. The review identified a range of venues nationwide which, based on the criteria applied, could be considered for closure subject to a detailed assessment and the preparation of a business case in respect of each identified venue which has now commenced.

The Service has advised that the identification of venues as part of the review process does not conclusively mean that the identified venues will close. I am informed that no decision will be taken on an individual venue without prior consultation with local stakeholders and I understand that this consultation will be undertaken at an early stage in the assessment process so that all views can be fully reflected in the decision making process. It should be noted that the final decision will be a matter for the Courts Service Board. Under the statute I have no role or function in the matter. It should be noted that since the Courts Service was established in 1999, 151 court venues have been closed. I am informed that a total of 16 venues have been closed since March 2011, in the following locations: Enniscorthy, Athenry, Ballymote, Borrisokane, Boyle, Castlecomer, Castleisland, Castletownbere, Claremorris, Ennistymon, Kiltimagh, New Ross, Portarlington, Roscrea, Shannon, and Templemore.

The Courts Service has informed me that decisions to close a particular venue are generally taken due to its poor condition, some of which present a health and safety risk which would cost a great deal to rectify. The absence of holding cells in a number of cases is also a significant factor. The need to operate more efficiently, particularly with regard to freeing up judicial, staff and Garda time currently spent travelling to multiple locations, is also a consideration. I am informed that the Courts Service Board's rationalisation policy has gained operational efficiencies, saves time and continues to improve speed of access to justice.

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