Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 1

Written Answers. - Court Accommodation.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

141 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the specially built courthouse attached to Clover Hill Prison has not yet been brought into use; the steps being taken to ensure that it is made fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25777/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The Deputy will be aware that the courthouse at Cloverhill was built as part of a major prison construction project. It is intended to cater for criminal justice court business in the District Court and bail applications in the High Court.

I understand that when the courthouse was made available to the Courts Service a number of adaptations were identified as necessary for District Court sittings following consultations with the Judiciary, the legal profession and other interests. These works have now been undertaken. I am informed that the District Court in Cloverhill will open as soon as a judge is assigned by the President of the District Court. A number of adjustments have also been requested to better facilitate lawyer-client consultations for High Court business at the venue. It is anticipated that these works will be finalised in the near future. As soon as these works have been satisfactorily concluded the necessary arrangements will be made to enable the High Court sittings to take place.