Written answers

Thursday, 24 November 2011

Department of Justice, Equality and Defence

Courts Service

5:00 pm

Photo of Jonathan O'BrienJonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to rationalise court venues as part of the public sector reform plans; the courts that will be affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36877/11]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan 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 in the current financial climate all court venues are kept under continuing review.

As I set out in my response to Question No. 45 on 25 October last, the Courts Service Board has already approved the closing of a number of District court houses as follows:

Ballymote which will be amalgamated with Sligo.

Boyle which will be amalgamated with Carrick on Shannon. The Circuit Court also sits from time to time in Boyle and these sittings will now take place in Roscommon.

Templemore which will be amalgamated with Thurles.

Kiltimagh and Claremorris in Co Mayo which will be amalgamated with Castlebar. I understand the District court has not sat in Claremorris since 2009 and that its business has been heard in Kiltimagh. I am informed that the business of all three venues will in future be heard in Castlebar.

While there are no court houses in Castleisland and Athenry, the Courts Service has informed me that those District courts sit in very unsuitable premises and so will also be relocated. With the exception of Castleisland which is due to close on 1 December, it is intended that the other closures will take effect early in 2012. In this context it should be noted that the Board has over the past 12 years amalgamated 140 District Court areas. Decisions to close a particular venue are generally taken due to its poor condition, some of which present a health and safety risk which would cost a great deal to rectify.

The absence of holding cells in a number of cases is also a factor. However, achieving greater efficiencies particularly with regard to freeing up judicial, staff and Garda time currently spent travelling between venues is also a consideration. I am informed that this rationalisation policy has gained operational efficiencies, saves time and improves speed of access to justice. I understand a Review Group is currently examining all venues located outside of Dublin city and Cork city with a view to reporting to the Service by the end of this year.

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