Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 106: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the moneys allocated to date for the Courts Service; the level of funding required to progress the Courts Service strategic plans and policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35922/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The moneys allocated to date for the Courts Service are as shown in the table.

The Estimates for 2006 include €19.6m to enable the Service to continue its ambitious nationwide programme of courthouse renovation and refurbishment. Negotiations are currently underway between the Courts Service and the preferred tenderer for the new Criminal Court Complex in Dublin under the Public Private Partnership approach.

In addition, this year's estimates include €9.4m to support major IT modernisation initiatives such as the Civil Case Management System, the delivery of court services by electronic means and courtroom technology upgrades.

The Courts Service has confirmed to me that its level of funding is sufficient to enable it to progress the strategic plans and policies of the Service. As the Deputy will appreciate, the Courts Service is responsible for the day to day management of the courts and deciding how the funding provided is specifically allocated. I am responsible for ensuring that the Service is adequately funded and I am confident that the level of funding provided is sufficient, not only to maintain the existing levels of service, but also to provide for their improvement.