Vol. 572 No. 4
201 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which the funds provided by his Department are sufficient to meet the needs of the family law courts, including accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23642/03]
204 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he intends to take to improve the volume and efficiency of the courts with a view to providing sufficient resources to meet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23645/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 204 together.
Under the Courts Service Act 1998, the Courts Service, which is responsible for the day to day management of the courts, is independent in the performance of its functions. I am responsible, inter alia, for ensuring that the service is adequately funded and, in this regard, €92.179 million has been provided in 2003. This represents a 5.6% increase on 2002.
Having regard to the statutory independence of the Courts Service, the Deputy will appreciate that it is a matter for the service to decide how the funding provided is specifically allocated. The funding provided allows the Courts Service to progress the implementation of its strategic plans and policies and I am confident that the level of funding provided is adequate, not only to maintain existing levels of service, but also to provide for improvements in services and in court accommodation.
