Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 June 2014
127. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will discuss with the board of the Courts Service its threat to close the Tallaght courthouse; if she will convey to the board the serious upset and concerns of the Tallaght community at the loss of the court services in a major population centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24910/14]
View answerAs the Deputy may be 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.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had inquiries made and have been informed that following a review undertaken in 2013 into the delivery of court services in the greater Dublin Area, the proposals which have recently been published by the Courts Service include a proposal to close the District Court venue in Tallaght. 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. The review has been the first comprehensive assessment of the delivery of court services in Dublin in many decades. In addition, the proposals arising from the review are designed to ensure the maximum utilisation of court accommodation and resources while at the same time providing opportunities for efficiencies across the justice system.
The Courts Service recognises that the proposal to close the court venue in Tallaght would inevitably have an impact on a range of organisations and courts users who avail of the existing level of service. In this context, I welcome the consultative approach which is being adopted by the Courts Service in seeking submissions on the proposal from any interested parties or local interests. I have been assured by the Courts Service that all submissions received on the proposal will receive consideration. I also understand that it is intended that proposals arising from the review including the closure of the court venue in Tallaght will be considered by the Board at the end of July. It should, of course, be noted that the final decision in relation to the closure of any court venue is a matter for the Board of the Courts Service
