Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
835. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of plans for the construction of a dedicated and integrated purpose-built family law and children's court complex in addition to a new Supreme Court and courts offices on the Hammond Lane site as committed to in the capital plan 2016-2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33432/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021 provides for a development at the Hammond Lane site including the development of a Family Law and Children’s Court. The project is to be delivered as a Public Private Partnership.
As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998 management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions.
Following a detailed design exercise undertaken by the Courts Service in partnership with the Office of Public Works and in consultation with key stakeholders, an initial business case for the project with detailed costings was submitted to my Department for approval and was reviewed in the context of competing and significant capital requirements in the Justice sector. An updated Project Appraisal and business case with revised costings, was submitted by the Courts Service, and is under active consideration and there continues to be on-going discussions with the Courts Service in regard to a number of issues including aspects of the funding proposal. In due course, the project would also require sanction from Department of Public Expenditure and Reform before it can proceed.
