Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the closure of courthouses. A courthouse is economically important to a town and the closure of Boyle courthouse will sound the death knell for the town. It will also have a major effect on the work of the Courts Service, solicitors, the presiding judge and the surrounding area. A courthouse has an economic benefit for a town and affords it prestige. Given the seriousness of the issue, I was surprised Deputy Frank Feighan was not even aware of the proposed closure. The announcement was made by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, a divine individual in the sense that he is both two in one and one in two, having been appointed Minister for Justice and Equality and Minister for Defence.