John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is correct and I will make one or two comments on that specific point. I acknowledge there was cross-party support for the Bill here and in the Upper House, where I took the legislation. This specific amendment relates to a practice that occurs around Ireland. I acknowledge that the Bill was framed initially around the new court facility being provided. However, it also is intended to give effect to practice in other areas and the context is that in small, rural towns nationwide, courts frequently do not have holding areas and the Garda station is used.

On Deputy Charles Flanagan's specific point, it is regrettable that unfortunately, prisoners are held in Garda vans from time to time. The holding area referred to here, as well as the responsibility of the member in charge, refer specifically to the Garda station. Outside of the Garda station is separate and unaffected by the amendment I have made.

As for the opening dates, the best advice available to me at present is that full operations will commence from early next year. District Court hearings will commence in the first week of December and Circuit Court hearings will commence on 23 November. Although all Members would like to know the official opening date, I am afraid I do not have information in this regard..

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