Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 525: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of circuit court venues in the country; if he will outline each in a tabular basis on a county basis; if he will confirm that each venue will continue as a circuit court venue for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32505/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, 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 have been informed by the Service that there are 52 circuit court venues sitting in 8 circuits as set out in the table below:

*Dublin is regarded as one circuit court venue although the court may sit in a number of venues. The Courts Service has informed me that it is currently in the process of a comprehensive review of all venues throughout the country and no court venue or office is excluded from this process.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the Service, in common with all other public sector organisations, is obliged to ensure that resources are deployed to best effect to ensure continuity of service with reduced budgets and resources. Greater flexibility in the deployment of available resources will be critical in maintaining the delivery of front line court services. The Service has indicated that its policy in considering the future operational viability of any venue is to consult with local stakeholders, however, the decision in relation to the closure of a venue is a matter for the Courts Service Board.

In addition, under Section 10 of the Courts Of Justice Act 1947, it is a matter for the President of the Circuit Court to determine where the Circuit Court shall sit within each circuit.