Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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95. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the court houses and Garda stations which have been closed by county since 2011; if any further closures of either court houses or Garda stations are planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36004/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Courts Service Act 1998 provides that 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 assistance 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.

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. In this regard, the identification of venues as part of the review process does not necessarily mean that the identified venues will close. For example, the Deputy may wish to note the outcome of the recent extensive consultations process in the Dublin region which has resulted in the Courts Service deciding not to proceed with its proposals to close a number of suburban courthouses. The Courts Service has confirmed that no decision on an individual venue is taken without prior consultation with local stakeholders. It should, however, be noted that the final decision is a matter for the Courts Service Board. Under the statute I have no role or function in the matter. The following table provides details of the court venues which have closed since 1 January 2011.