Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the 2012 service plans for Courts Service facilities in County Mayo; the courthouses that will be closed in that county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31207/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service and I have no role in the matter. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which include the provision, maintenance and management of court buildings and provision of facilities for court users.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that at a meeting on 17 October last the Courts Service Board approved proposals to formally transfer District court business from Kiltimagh and Claremorris to the District Court sitting in Castlebar. Castlebar will therefore deal with the business previously conducted at the three venues and the Service has assured me that there is sufficient capacity in Castlebar to do this. These changes will take effect early next year.

As the Deputy will be aware, an excellent Courthouse is available in Castlebar where a €12 million project was completed in 2004. This refurbishment saw the number of courtrooms increased to four; additional improved public waiting areas; provision of consultation and practitioners rooms, extended court offices, judges' chambers, universal access and an enhanced sense of privacy and dignity for all court users. The facilities have capacity for video conferencing and digital recording of proceedings which are requirements of an efficient 21st century court building.

The Courts Service has informed me that there are no further plans at this time to close or amalgamate other courthouses in County Mayo during 2012 beyond what has recently been announced. The Service keeps all venues across the country under constant review to ensure that, insofar as is possible, they meet the standard that court users are entitled to expect and also allow for best use of time and resources. This review is essential when the best use of all of available resources is of paramount concern having regard to the current financial climate and to an increase in court business of 40% nationwide over the past five years.