Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I again thank the Deputy for raising the matter. I appreciate his interest in the proper administration of justice in County Mayo. It is important that those who come before our courts do so without unnecessary difficulty, whether in criminal or civil matters. At the end of the day, the Courts Service is independent and the decisions it makes are outside my control in the context of individual courthouses.

I share the Deputy's opinion that it is important the decisions made to reduce costs and use resources wisely in one part of what I describe as the justice structure do not impose unnecessary and additional costs on other parts to offset the benefits that may be gained. It is my understanding that this type of assessment and analysis has been undertaken in the context of these two courthouses but I will make further inquiries in that regard to provide whatever further assurances I can to the Deputy.

It is regrettable that courts which have existed for many decades and provided a service to local communities should have to be closed. Tragically, in the context of the huge economic difficulties with which the State is confronted, fiscal stringencies need to apply. In the context of using taxpayers' money wisely, decisions have to be made, whether by me as Minister or other bodies under my aegis, which bring about change. These decisions are a cause of concern in local communities, which we have to address, but we have to implement them because it will otherwise be impossible to meet our financial obligations and reduce the level of public expenditure to restore the State to economic sovereignty.

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