Vol. 574 No. 1
482 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department provides funding to the Courts Service for the improvement of courthouses, efficient running of sittings and other court services; if his attention has been drawn to an inadequacy of funding resulting in backlogs and the need for replacement facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26588/03]
The Courts Service is responsible for the day to day management of the courts. Under the Courts Service Act 1998 the Courts Service is, subject to the provisions of that Act, independent in the performance of its functions which include, inter alia, the provision, management and maintenance of court buildings and the listing of cases.
I am, inter alia, responsible for ensuring that the service is adequately funded and, in this regard, €92.179 million has been provided in 2003 for the Courts Service. I am confident that the level of funding provided to the Courts Service is adequate and that there are no backlogs due to lack of financial resources.
Having regard to the statutory independence of the Courts Service, the Deputy will appreciate that it is a matter for the Courts Service to decide how funding provided is specifically allocated.
