Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of courts is the responsibility of the service and as Minister, I have no role in the matter. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which, of course, include the provision, maintenance and management of court buildings. However, I have made inquiries with the Courts Service and am informed that in the current financial climate, the service has been reviewing all aspects of its organisational and operational structures throughout the country with the specific objective of ensuring the service can continue to maintain the delivery of front-line court services and an appropriate level of service to court users. I understand that no court venue has been singled out or indeed exempted from the review process.

A comprehensive review of venues has recently been completed, the purpose of which was to establish a general framework within which venues could be considered for closure, taking into account a range of criteria such as case loads, proximity to an alternative venue, physical condition of the building, availability of holding cell facilities and so on. The likely impact on other justice agencies, such as An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service, is also taken into account. I am informed the review identified a range of venues nationwide which, based on the criteria applied, could be considered for closure subject - I emphasise this - to a detailed assessment and the preparation of a business case in respect of each identified venue, which has now commenced.

The service has advised that the identification of venues as part of the review process does not conclusively mean that the identified venues will close. I am informed no decision will be taken on an individual venue without prior consultation with local stakeholders and I understand this consultation will be undertaken at an early stage in the assessment process in order that all views can be fully reflected in the decision-making process. It should be noted that the final decision will be a matter for the Courts Service board. Under the statute, I have no role or function in the matter.

As for the particular venues mentioned by the Deputy, I have been informed by the service that no sittings have been held in Kinsale since 1 October 2010, due to the condition of the courtroom and Kinsale District Court currently sits in Bandon.

With regard to Skibbereen and Clonakilty, I am advised that the standard of the facilities, numbers of sittings and caseloads require examination. The Deputy will appreciate that the retention of venues not in use, not of reasonable standard or which are rarely used must be fully reviewed with necessary decisions taken. It is worth noting that since its foundation, the service has made great progress in improving the stock of courthouses throughout the country. Many of our county town courthouses have been refurbished and other major upgrading works have been completed in places such as Cork, Limerick, Dundalk and Castlebar.

Since its establishment the Courts Service has amalgamated more than 150 venues while at the same time the service has benefitted from a very substantial capital investment to upgrade larger courthouses, concentrating mainly on county towns. The policy has been very successful, resulting in a more efficient use of time for the Judiciary, court users and An Garda Síochána. Rather than short sittings in the smaller venues, a full day's list can be dealt with which leads to reductions in delays in the District Court.

I thank the Deputy for raising the matter and I appreciate his interest in the administration of justice in County Cork, as well as his concerns about his constituency and those who utilise existing court facilities. I know the Deputy will understand the need for the Courts Service to take the measures necessary to promote greater efficiency in the courts, and I hope the constructive engagement involving the Courts Service will result in reasoned and appropriate decisions being made on the venues.

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