Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
98. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to review and update the terms of a licence regarding accommodation between the OPW and the Bar Council at the High Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13214/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra99. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a full schedule of rental accommodation and or office locations and fees received by the OPW from the Bar Council for the past five years to date will be provided. [13215/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.
I understand from the Commissioners of Public Works that the accommodation agreements in place between the OPW and the Bar Council relate to licensing arrangements to occupy the Law Library in the Four Courts. These arrangements are complex and date back to the early 1800s when the original Law Library in the Old Four Courts was constructed with funds provided by the Benchers, the predecessors of the Bar Council.
Since 1931, the occupation by the Bar Council at the Four Courts complex has been by way of historical licence agreements with the Commissioners of Public Works that currently remain in place. Due to the nominal amount of rent set out in the licence agreements, the OPW is not in receipt of rent from the Bar Council.
The management and provision of facilities at the Four Courts is a matter for the Courts Service to determine and there are no plans at present to alter the current licensing arrangements.
