Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 687: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which the Courts Service is obliged to report to him or the Secretary General of his Department on their expenditure and policy initiatives; and if approval for same is required from him or the Secretary General. [37968/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Courts Service operates under comprehensive provisions contained in the Courts Service Act 1998.

The Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which include management of staff and resources, accommodation matters, provision of support services for the judiciary and provision of information. The Board of the Service considers and determines policy in relation to the Service and oversees the implementation of that policy by the Chief Executive who is the accounting officer for the Service.

However, the Service is required to prepare a strategic plan every three years which must be submitted for the Minister's approval. This strategic plan must comprise the key objectives, outputs and related strategies of the Service and have regard to the need to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of the resources of the Service. The Service must report to the Minister in writing on its activities on an annual basis. The Reports are laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

The Service must, if requested by the Minister, furnish to the Minister such information as the Minister may request relating to the Annual Report, any matter concerning the policy and activities of the Service generally, or any specific matter or account prepared by it.

Expenses incurred in the administration of the Courts Service must in general be as sanctioned by the Minister for Finance.