John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, I thank the Senator for raising this matter. As he will appreciate, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of courts is the responsibility of the service and the Minister has no role in the matter. This was my experience of Ballymoe courthouse in the previous Administration, and was there since 1804. It was closed down as well. It was on the list, and was there for nearly 200 years. 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, the Minister has had inquiries made with the Courts Service and is informed that in the current financial climate the Courts Service has been reviewing all aspects of its organisational and operational structures throughout the country with the specific objective of ensuring that the service can continue to maintain the delivery of front-line court services and an appropriate level of service to court users. The Minister understands 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 caseload, proximity to an alternative venue, physical condition of the building, availability of holding cell facilities, etc. The likely impact on other departmental agencies, such as An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service, is also taken into account. The Minister is informed that the review identified a range of venues nationwide which, based on the criteria applied, could be considered for closure subject to a detailed assessment and the preparation of a business case in respect of each identified venue.

It is worth noting that since its establishment in 1999, the Courts Service has amalgamated over 150 venues while benefiting from a substantial capital investment to upgrade larger courthouses. The policy has been successful resulting in a more efficient use of time for the Judiciary, court users and gardaí. 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.

The Courts Service has indicated that its priority is to provide the best possible facilities for all court users, including Judiciary and Courts Service staff, bearing in mind the health and safety of users as well as their need for privacy and dignity in their proceedings. The Senator has inquired about Kells courthouse and the service has informed the Minister that it has been identified as a venue which should be considered for closure subject to a detailed assessment and the preparation of a business case as mentioned. The standard courthouse requirements includes basic facilities such as consultation rooms, victim support facilities and holding cells for prisoners which are essential to ensure public safety and efficient use of Irish Prison Service resources.

It should be noted that the Courts Service has advised that the identification of venues as part of the review process does not conclusively mean that the identified venues will close and I can confirm that the Courts Service board will take no decision on the future of Kells courthouse without full prior consultation with local interested parties and court users. The Minister is informed that the consultation process in respect of Kells courthouse has not yet begun.

However, the service assures the Minister that the views expressed in that process will be taken into account in the decision-making process in due course. As I have said, the final decision in this matter will be a matter for the Courts Service board.

On behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, I thank the Senator for raising the matter and the Minister appreciates his interest in the administration of justice in County Meath. I know the Senator 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.