Vol. 473 No. 5
148 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Justice if she will make further funds available to enable specific improvements to take place at the Anglesea Street courthouse building in Cork to enable people with disabilities to use the building without difficulty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1951/97]
149 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Justice the person responsible for the maintenance and refurbishment of the Anglesea Street courthouse in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1952/97]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.
Under the Courthouses (Provision and Maintenance) Act, 1935 responsibility for the day to day maintenance of the courthouse at Anglesea Street, Cork rests with Cork Corporation. The refurbishment of Anglesea Street courthouse, Cork was recently undertaken by the Office of Public Works on behalf of my Department.
This courthouse is fully accessible for people with mobility difficulties, with the exception of part of the court office and the legal representatives rooms. However, provision have been made to enable persons with disabilities to conduct all their business at ground floor level, where sufficient suitable facilities have been provided.
I should also mention that following recent discussions between the Office of Public Works and local interested groups, my Department has approved some further minor works to the building to make it more user-friendly, particularly for people with disabilities.
