Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the courthouse in Tipperary town; if moneys secured in recent years for essential repairs for the courthouse have been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5742/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me Tipperary courthouse is owned by South Tipperary County Council. I understand that due to its general condition it has not been used for court sittings for a number of years.

The Courts Service is not in a position to fund the extensive remedial works that would be required to facilitate its return to service as a court venue and does not consider it appropriate to invest in property owned by third parties. In view of the historical nature of building, I understand my Department indicated at the end of 2010 that it would be prepared to consider funding limited repair work to prevent further deterioration of the building. However, no funding was made available and, as the Deputy will appreciate, the budgetary situation in my Department has deteriorated further since 2010. Given the need to concentrate on core activities, I regret to inform the Deputy that there is no funding available to facilitate repair work in circumstances where neither the Department nor its agencies has any vested interest in the property.