I propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 550 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions, which includes 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.
In this context of that review, courthouses in Clones and Ballyconnell were identified as venues that should be considered for closure subject to a detailed assessment and the preparation of a business case. Through this process the Service has established a general framework within which such venues are being assessed 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 consultation process in relation to the future of Ballyconnell, which included consultation with the judiciary, the Cavan Bar Association, An Garda Síochána, Prison Service, Probation Service and Cavan County Council, was completed earlier this year and a report was considered by the Building Committee at its meeting on 21st February, 2013. The Building Committee decided that the closure of Ballyconnell should be recommended to the Courts Service Board. In accordance with the protocol all those who had been consulted previously were informed of the decision of the Building Committee and were invited to make further submissions which would be placed before the Board for consideration. I am informed that no submissions were received and the Board at its meeting on 15th April, 2013 approved the closure of Ballyconnell and the amalgamation of the Ballyconnell District Court area with Cavan District Court area. It is expected that court sittings at Ballyconnell will cease before the end of the year.
I understand that no decision in relation to the future of Clones courthouse has been taken to date but that the consultation process has been concluded and the views received will be taken into account in the decision making process which, as the Deputy is aware, is a matter for the Courts Service Board under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998.
