Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 482: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if a statutory instrument is in place which would allow the sitting of a court (details supplied) in County Cork; and his plans to resume court sittings in the area. [36144/11]

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, the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions which includes management of court venues and designation of court areas and I have no role in the matter. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that, due to the lack of suitable premises in Castletownbere, the District court sittings were moved to Bantry with effect from 1 October 2010. I am informed the Court sat six times in 2010 dealing with only 232 matters. Unfortunately, due to current economic conditions, the Courts Service is not in a position to provide a premises or facilities of an appropriate standard in Castletownbere and a proposal about its future is due for consideration at the next meeting of the Courts Service Board. In the meantime, the sittings will continue to be held in Bantry.