Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, for coming to the House to discuss the refurbishment of the courthouse in Roscommon town. I raised this matter many times with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan, most recently on his visit last week to Roscommon and Galway. I emphasise the importance of the project and the need for it to proceed in a timely fashion. I am aware that it was included in Project Ireland 2040.

Facilities in Roscommon courthouse which has two courtrooms are inadequate and not fit for purpose in a modern courts system. Great work has been done in recent years to support vulnerable witnesses in the courts process. The current facilities in Roscommon courthouse are not adequate in that regard. Locations at which family law sittings take place, including Roscommon town, have a particular need for special protection measures for witnesses. This very much highlights the importance of the work carried out.

A certain amount of work has been done in respect of Roscommon courthouse. When Roscommon County Council moved from Roscommon courthouse into its new Áras on Chontae building, the Courts Service which had occupied the other part of the courthouse purchased the entire building. That is a positive development which I hope highlights a commitment to modernise the entire building to facilitate the Courts Service. I understand that, when completed, the project will include the development of a third courtroom, judicial chambers, consultation rooms, custody facilities, as well as facilities for staff, jurors and members of the legal profession. What is the timeframe for completion of the Roscommon courthouse project under Project Ireland 2040?