Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Office of the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this issue and thank the Minister for his attendance in the Chamber. While this issue may be a little more parochial than the previous matter, perhaps Deputy McCarthy will have an interest in it nonetheless. The imminent closure proposed by the Courts Service of the courthouses in Kinsale, Skibbereen and Clonakilty is causing some concern in west Cork. It represents a further continuation of the contraction of the Courts Service's operations in west Cork in recent years. It has already closed six District Court venues in Castletownbere, Schull, Glengarriff, Dunmanway, Millstreet and Coachford and this reduction in the number of court venues from 12 to six already has created serious difficulties for all court users. Obviously, reducing this number further by another three to three venues will cause even greater difficulties.

I am aware that late last year, the Minister and the Chief Justice established a working group on efficiency measures in the criminal court system in the Circuit and District Courts and I have had sight of the Courts Service's strategic plan for 2011 to 2014, Delivering Service, Transformation and Value. I recognise and welcome that like all State agencies, the Courts Service is in a period of change and reform. However, the issue also should be examined a little more closely because the cost savings that are being considered or which are to be achieved may not add up when one takes into account the entire picture. For example, were all the gardaí stationed in a town in west Cork obliged to travel to Cork city for hearings, it could leave an entire district without cover for six, eight and possibly even more hours during the day. I also am aware the State solicitor for west Cork has already indicated that he is encountering difficulties in getting gardaí to be available for attendance at Circuit Court hearings in Cork. In one recent case, he was informed by the superintendent that he could have two gardaí in one case and three of the gardaí on the following day. Moreover, in family cases, one could have all the litigants or concerned witnesses travelling together for up to 80 miles on one bus. Regrettably, we do not have regular scheduled public transport and this is possible. I do not believe the Minister is of the opinion this situation would be desirable.

Other hidden costs also might be considered, including Garda overtime, mileage allowances, etc. In addition, would cases be dismissed were gardaí unable to attend? I refer to another issue the Minister might take into account that is completely out of left-field. In Skibbereen, for example, if a traffic warden was obliged to attend a court day in Cork, that conceivably could lose €400 to the town council in Skibbereen. While this may be a minor issue, it nevertheless is a hidden cost.

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