Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to provide funding for the refurbishment of the Kilkenny courthouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18590/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the Courts Service Act 1998, the Courts Service is responsible for the day to day management of the courts system. Section 5 of the Act provides, inter alia, that the functions of the Court Service include the provision, management and maintenance of court buildings and the provision of facilities for court users.

The Courts Service is committed to improving the standard of court buildings and facilities throughout the State. I am pleased to have been able to obtain significant funding from the Government for courthouse upgrading in recent years. €18.2 has been made available to the Courts Service for capital spending on its building programme in 2006. The Capital Building Programme for 2002-08 places a priority on developing county venues, most of which have now been refurbished. In addition, use is being made of Public Private Partnership (PPS) approaches where appropriate to provide courthouse infrastructure. For example, a multi-million Euro Criminal Courts Complex for Dublin is being provided in this fashion.

Having regard to the statutory independence of the Courts Service, the Deputy will appreciate that it is a matter for the Courts Service to decide how funding provided is specifically allocated in connection with its ongoing replacement and refurbishment programme.