Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013
381. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the discussions held by the Building Committee of the Courts Service at their last meeting that is chaired by a High Court Judge; the decisions and recommendations that the committee made or did during that meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28943/13]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, 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 include the provision and maintenance of accommodation for court sittings.
The Building Committee is a committee established by the Courts Service Board to advise on matters relating to court accommodation and the capital building and public private partnership programme. The Committee reports directly to the Board on such matters.
However, in order to be of further assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and have been informed that on 16 May 2013 the Building Committee of the Courts Service Board met to consider a range of issues relating to courts accommodation. These included: proposals in relation to venue closures, progress in relation to the courts building programme, repair works in the Four Courts, the future use of Kilmainham Courthouse in Dublin, the proposed service level agreement between the Courts Service and the Office of Public Works, the current position in a legal case and discussions regarding the Children’s Court in Dublin. I am informed that following the meeting a number of recommendations will be made to the Courts Service Board for consideration at its meeting on 27th June, 2013. I understand that recommendations in relation to venue closures are conveyed to those who participated in the consultative process in order to give them an opportunity to furnish any final submissions they may wish to make before the Board takes a final decision. As the Deputy will be aware, these matters are the responsibility of the Courts Service Board and I have no function in the matter.
