Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, is unable to be here today and has asked me to convey his thanks to the Senator for raising the matter.

The Minister appreciates the concern of people, especially legal practitioners, in relation to closure of smaller court venues. However, 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 this decision. 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. In the current financial climate the service has been obliged to review all aspects of its organisational and operational structures throughout the country, with the specific objective of ensuring that it can continue to maintain the delivery of frontline court services and an appropriate level of service to court users. The Minister has been informed that no court venue has been singled out or indeed exempted from the review process. A comprehensive review of all 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 justice 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, at the same time, the service has benefited from a very substantial capital investment to upgrade larger county town courthouses, including in Cavan town. The policy has been very 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 Senator has inquired about courthouses in Cavan in particular. The service has stated that two venues in County Cavan, Ballyconnell and Virginia, have been identified as venues that should be considered for closure, subject to a detailed assessment and, as mentioned, the preparation of a business case. 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 also be noted that the service has advised that the identification of venues as part of the review process does not necessarily mean that the identified venues will close, as each identified venue will be subject to a rigorous examination.

I can confirm that the Courts Service board will take no decision on the future of either Ballyconnell or Virginia as District Court venues without full prior consultation with local interested parties and court users. I am informed that the consultation process in respect of both venues commenced on 7 January 2013, with a closing date for submissions on Friday, 4 February. The service has assured the Minister that the views expressed in the process will be taken into account in the decision-making process. However, as stated, the final decision in this matter will be for the Courts Service board. I thank the Senator for raising the matter. I appreciate her interest in the administration of justice in County Cavan. I know that she 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 concerned.