Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 January 2012
597 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason Circuit Court office staff in an area (details supplied) have been informed that they are to relocate to a new premises from October 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40767/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts 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 enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that a comprehensive internal review was conducted in 2009/2010 which included the administrative structure of provincial court offices and recommended the amalgamation of Circuit and District Court offices into a combined court office to provide a multi-jurisdictional administration unit in each county. A major transformation programme is currently underway on foot of that review and I understand Phase 1 commenced in three locations in May 2011.
A further implementation phase involves the establishment, in October 2012, of a combined court office located in Bray, incorporating an amalgamation of the District Court office currently located in Bray and the Circuit Court office which is currently located in Wicklow town. Implementation of the project is critical to the continued maintenance of front line court services and court sittings in the current difficult economic and staffing environment. I am informed the change will result allow court users to access services through a convenient "one stop shop" arrangement located in Bray. I understand the project is included in the Service's Action Plan under the Croke Park Agreement and is vital to meeting obligations to delivery efficiencies and staffing reductions in accordance with the Agreement and the Employment Control Framework. The Service informs me that, as part of its internal communications strategy, the staff affected have been briefed on the forthcoming changes.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the Courts Service, in common with all other public sector organisations, is obliged to ensure that resources are deployed to best effect to ensure continuity of service with reduced budgets and resources. Greater flexibility in the deployment of available resources will be critical in maintaining the delivery of front line court services. All court facilities are subject to ongoing review and no court venue or office is excluded from this process.
598 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when District Court sittings will move back to an area (details supplied) as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40768/11]
Amharc ar fhreagra599 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a courthouse (details supplied) will be restored and refurbished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40769/11]
Amharc ar fhreagra640 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the decision the Courts Service has taken in relation to the renaming of a courthouse (details supplied); the time line in which this decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1108/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 598, 599 and 640 together.
Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service. The Act provides that the Service is independent in the performance of its functions including the maintenance and provision of courthouse facilities. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that due to current economic conditions, it is not in a position to proceed with the necessary modernising and refurbishment of Wicklow Courthouse. While limited works were undertaken to protect the fabric of the building I am informed that the District Court will not sit in Wicklow Courthouse for the foreseeable future. The Deputy will appreciate that a refurbishment project would require significant capital investment to bring the courthouse to the required standards which is not possible at this time. Wicklow District Court sittings will continue to take place in Bray Courthouse. The Courts Service has informed me that the building in Bray which houses the courthouse also includes other occupants and the local authority has proposed renaming the building. The Service has been asked for its views on the proposal and I understand the matter is still under consideration at the present time.
