Written answers

Tuesday, 12 April 2005

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Courts Service

9:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 780: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has allocated sufficient funds to the Courts Service to facilitate current and anticipated requirements with particular reference to the repair and maintenance of courthouses and the administration of the service; if he has received requests for increases under any, all or none of these areas; if he has indicated a willingness to improve the situation or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11228/05]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the Courts Service Act 1998, the Courts Service — which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the courts — is independent in the performance of its functions. I am responsible for ensuring that the service is adequately funded and, in this regard, €96.7 million has been provided for 2005. Furthermore, I have given the go-ahead for the new Criminal Court complex — to be located at Infirmary Road, Dublin — which will be the first public private partnership, PPP, project undertaken in regard to the courts building programme. I recently announced a further PPP package of some €50 million under which courthouse projects in Drogheda, Limerick, Cork, Wexford, Waterford, north Kildare, Swords, Letterkenny and Wicklow will be undertaken.

The funding provided allows the Courts Service to progress the implementation of its strategic plans and policies and I am confident that the level of funding provided is adequate, not only to maintain existing levels of service but also to provide for improvements in services and in court accommodation.

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