Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 195: 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. [35933/05]

Michael 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 was provided in 2005. The 2006 Estimates for the service provide for an increase of €3.84 million in respect of current expenditure, as well as €140,000 in capital IT expenditure. Negotiations are ongoing with the Department of Finance in respect of a further capital allocation for courthouse construction, repair and maintenance. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in this respect on budget day. The tendering and procurement process for the new criminal court complex at Infirmary Road, Dublin, is under way and construction work on the project is expected to commence next year. Furthermore, I recently announced a further public private partnership package of some €50 million under which a number of courthouse projects will be undertaken. I am confident that the overall funding package provided to the service is adequate, not only to maintain existing levels of service but also to provide for improvements in services and court accommodation.