Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 526: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the direction he has given or proposes to give to the Courts Service with a view to ensuring adequate availability of accommodation to meet court requirements in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9244/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Courts Service Act, 1998, the Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which include the management of the courts, and provision, maintenance and management of court buildings. The responsibilities of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform include ensuring adequate funding for all parts of the criminal justice system, including the courts. In this regard, I am pleased to say that €107 million is provided for the Courts Service in 2008, an increase of 5% on 2007.

Since its establishment, the Service has been extremely successful in transforming the courts system in this State. It is continuing the major programme of work to provide modern 21st century court buildings to all parts of the country. The allocation for Capital works on courthouses this year stands at nearly €30 million.

A new state-of-the-art Criminal Courts Complex in Dublin is being constructed in Parkgate Street and is due for completion in 2010. The building involves the transfer of all Dublin criminal courts and administrative offices from three jurisdictions — District, Circuit and Central — to the new facility and will concentrate all central Dublin criminal business in one serviced location with 22 new courtrooms. This will also mean that the Four Courts will be 'freed' up for civil business. This development will reduce delays across all the court lists and transform the facilities available to court users, including jury panels and victims.

Last year, courthouse building and refurbishment projects were completed in Tullamore, Bray, Fermoy, Belmullet and in Dolphin House (Dublin). This year, I am advised that projects will be completed in Ardee, Thurles, Clones, Blanchardstown and Gorey. Work will commence in 2008 in Kilkenny, Monaghan, Mullingar, Swinford, Manorhamilton, Wexford, Kilmallock, Killaloe, Youghal and Virginia.