Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
783. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 507 of 4 February 2014, the position regarding the review being conducted by the Courts Service across Dublin city and county; if Swords and Balbriggan Court houses will stay open, as the option of travelling to the city centre is inconvenient for persons and the courthouses and office provide a very efficient service to the area. [13745/14]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.
As outlined in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 507 of 4 February 2014, the Courts Service, during 2013, undertook a review of court services in the greater Dublin Area which included Swords and Balbriggan District Courts. The purpose of the review was to examine options to ensure that the Courts Service can continue to maintain an appropriate level of front line services to court users throughout Dublin city and county. I am advised that the review is still under consideration by the Courts Service and no definitive proposals have been formulated in relation to any court venue being reviewed, including Swords and Balbriggan District Courts.
The Courts Service has assured me that any proposal to change the status of Swords or Balbriggan District Courts will be subject to a comprehensive and detailed assessment and the criteria which would be taken into consideration would include an assessment of travelling distances which court users might have to undertake in travelling to any alternative venue. It should be noted that the final decision in relation to the closure of any venue is entirely a matter for the Board of the Courts Service.
