Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The Courts Service has informed me that decisions to close a venue are generally taken due to its poor conditions, some of which present a health and safety risk which would cost a great deal to rectify. The absence of holding cells is a factor in a number of cases. However, achieving greater efficiencies, particularly in freeing up judicial staff and Garda time currently spent travelling between venues, is also a consideration. I am informed that this rationalisation policy has gained operational efficiencies, saves time and improves speed of access to justice. The same matters have informed the consideration given to the closures I mentioned. By achieving efficiencies, one effects savings and one ensures, at a time when there is limited resources, that those resources are used to the best extent in the interests of taxpayers.

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