Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On a personal note, I thank the Minister for his best wishes on the birth of Nicole Mairéad Leyden Ryan. I will convey his best wishes to Sinead and Dermot. I thank him very much for that from a personal point of view.

An interview the Minister gave was carried in theRoscommon Peopleon 1 November. In that interview, the Minister pledged to support the court staying in the locality and he has basically confirmed that in the sense that he would prefer if that arrangement could be made. That can be done and suitable accommodation can be made in the area. We also have Government offices in the town and the Courts Service has availed of same. If there is a bit of arrangement carried out in the area there would be no difficulty in keeping those services in Roscommon town, pending the work that is needed. I am not denying that work is required. I would be concerned that the service can be retained in the building while some work is carried out. As someone coming from a constituency like Laois-Offaly, the Minister knows the importance of Tullamore courthouse. There is a beautiful building there and Laois also has fantastic facilities in Portlaoise. I am confident the Minister will help us along the way with this. I thank him again.