David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Senator Cummins that the overall investment in the Courts Service in Waterford should be celebrated and strongly welcomed. It would make no sense for the Government to invest in increasing the courtrooms and services in Waterford from two to six, and then lose the services altogether. That is a nonsensical argument.

My argument was about the short-term potential loss of services. The Minister of State said in his response that the Courts Service is not clear at this stage as to the extent of the temporary facilities which will be available and that it would be desirable that a temporary facility would provide the two courtrooms. If we cannot find a premises that can provide two courtrooms, the District Court, the Circuit Court, the High Court and the Central Criminal Court proceedings which take place in Waterford cannot continue on a short-term basis.

It is not fair to put the responsibility back on Senators to find alternative premises. I am sure I can provide suggestions to the Minister and will do so, but it is an issue for the Courts Service and the Government. I appeal to the Minister of State to be conscious of the loss, even if it is short term. The overall package is to be welcomed, including the fire station, which is in a part of the city I represented as a city councillor, it is good that we are getting that investment at a very difficult time. However, the concern of people is about the short-term loss. They see a simple fix if we can find alternative premises that can hold two courtrooms so there is no loss of court services. I hope the Minister of State will take on board the concerns of myself and Senator Cummins and bring them to the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Courts Service.