Court Accommodation Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 June 2019

Thursday, 20 June 2019

Ceisteanna (131)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

131. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the OPW has carried out a recent assessment of Carndonagh Court House, Carndonagh, County Donegal; if issues have been identified; his plans to remedy same; the timeframe involved; if the OPW will work with the Courts Service to ensure a temporary venue is made available and that court sittings continue to be held in Carndonagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26049/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be 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.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and been advised by the Courts Service that immediate health and safety issues were identified by the Office of Public Works following an inspection of Carndonagh Courthouse. Unfortunately, court hearings could not continue at the courthouse in the short term. I have also been advised that a review is still being carried out on the future viability of the courthouse.

As to future sittings, I understand Carndonagh District Court sits once per month. While the court sat earlier this week (18 June) in Buncrana, no decision has yet been made regarding the location of the July sitting. There will no sitting in August.