Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

It was a very eminent suggestion and, in fairness, the Deputy would have to accept it also. It involves the saving of €1 million so, as they say in court, I rest my case.

With regard to the designation of the locations and the rationalisation of courts around the country, we gave powers to the Courts Service, under the 1998 Act. While I have been lobbied by Deputies on all sides of the House regarding the closure of courthouses and the amalgamation of District Court areas, we tend to forget the very people who lobby me gave the Courts Service its power exclusively under the 1998 Act, whether we like it or not.

Deputy Kenneally raised the issue of the court building in Waterford. A capacity issue arises in Waterford and the Courts Service is considering it. The Deputy also raised the issue of having a separate office for the President of the High Court. The president, whose job, in addition to exercising judicial duties, is to designate cases among High Court judges, has a small administrative office to support his statutory functions.

Most courthouses built recently have cell capacity to deal with people held in custody in prisons. This is the case in 41 of the refurbished courthouses around the country.

Deputy Nolan referred to county registrars. They have a quasi-judicial function which should be enhanced because they have taken on considerable duties recently, particularly with regard to case progression in the family law area. Given that they comprise a resource, they should be used to the greatest extent, particularly given their qualifications. There is no plan to alter the sheriff functions but there are other duties that could be given to county registrars.

I thank Deputies for what I hope will be the swift passage of this legislation. I am not sure they will have the opportunity to see the courts complex before it opens, although they will be present for the official opening. It is a magnificent building and a great testament to all those who have been involved in its planning and construction. It will stand the test of time. In the decades, if not centuries, ahead, people will say we invested wisely on this occasion.

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