Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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564. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will acknowledge the importance and excellent geographical location of Killorglin courthouse, County Kerry, by confirming that it will remain open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1038/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, 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 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 was singled out for or indeed exempted from the review process. As the Deputy is aware, there are significant costs in operating and maintaining an extensive estate of properties around the country, both in terms of the staff who must attend these locations, and the cost of maintaining the buildings themselves and providing appropriate facilities in them. In allocating resources the Courts Service has indicated that it must prioritise venues that are regularly used and that have the highest workload.

During the course of 2012, the Courts Service completed the comprehensive review of all venues throughout the country. The purpose of the review was to establish a framework within which venues could be considered for closure taking account of a range of criteria such as caseload, proximity to an alternative venue, physical condition of the building, availability of cells etc. 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. The Courts Service has indicated that the identification of venues as part of the review process will not necessarily mean that the identified venues will close.

I am informed that following the aforementioned review Killorglin courthouse was identified as a venue which should be considered for closure subject to a detailed assessment and the preparation of a business case. The Courts Service has confirmed that a local consultation process has now been completed and the views received will be taken into account in the decision making process which is entirely a matter for the Courts Service Board.