Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
1113. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the proposals to close court offices in County Kerry and locations around the country, if there has been a cost benefit analysis carried out regarding these closures, that is, the amount it will cost for all witnesses and gardaí to travel and if it will cost more than it would save; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38517/13]
View answerAs the Deputy may be 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 of accommodation for court sittings.
However, in order to be of further 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 and all court venues in County Kerry are included in this process.
In this context the Courts 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 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.
I am informed that the Courts Service in considering any venue for closure undertakes a cost analysis exercise which includes an assessment of the costs associated with the holding of court sittings in a court venue over a 12 month period. Witness costs are not included in this assessment. However, the cost analysis includes an assessment of the net Garda travel and subsistence costs based on Garda attendances at the venue identified for closure when compared with the proposed alternative venue calculated over the number of sittings held over a period of 3 months and extrapolated over a 12 month period; the travel and subsistence costs for courts staff attending the identified venue when compared with the alternative venue; the travel and subsistence costs for the permanently assigned Judge to the relevant District; additional legal aid costs arising from the holding of the court sittings over the 3 month period extrapolated over a 12 month period and operational costs associated with the identified venue over a 12 month period e.g. courthouse maintenance, light, heat & fuel. I am informed that the cost analysis in relation to the Kerry venues has not yet been undertaken.
Following this review four courthouses in Co. Kerry, Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Kenmare and Dingle were identified as venues which should be considered for closure subject to a detailed assessment and the preparation of a business case. I am informed that there are currently no plans to close the court office located in Tralee, Co Kerry. The Courts Service has assured me no decision in relation to the future of any of the court venues will be taken without prior consultation with local interested parties and court users. This consultation process has recently commenced and the views expressed in that process will be taken into account in the decision making process which will be a matter for the Courts Service Board.
