Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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178. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the plan to cease sittings of the District Court in Kells; if he has had any contact with the Court Service in relation to this matter; if he will contact the Court Services and make a representation to them to keep the sittings in Kells in view of the fact that the town will lose the economic and safety benefits if the court is moved to Navan as planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26040/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As I have previously informed the Deputy, 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, which include the provision of accommodation for court sittings. However, in order to be of further assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and have been informed that the Courts Service has been reviewing all aspects of its organisational and operational structures throughout the country with the specific objective of ensuring that the Service can continue to maintain the delivery of front line court services and an appropriate level of service to court users. I understand that no court venue has been singled out for or indeed exempted from the review and that Kells Courthouse is included in this process.

In this context the Courts Service has established a general framework within which such venues are being assessed taking into account a range of criteria such as caseload, proximity to an alternative venue, physical condition of the building, availability of cells etc. The likely impact on other Justice agencies, such as An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service, is also taken into account. The review identified a range of venues nationwide which, based on the criteria applied, could be considered for closure subject to a detailed assessment and the preparation of a business case in respect of each identified venue which has now commenced.

The Courts Service has again assured me that no decision in relation to the future of Kells courthouse will be taken without prior consultation with local interested parties and court users. I am informed that the consultation process is nearing completion and the views received will be taken into account in the decision making process which will be a matter for the Courts Service Board.