Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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371. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration will be given to the establishment of a designated family law court in Cootehill, County Cavan, to serve Cavan and Monaghan, taking into account that Cootehill is centrally situated for both counties and has a substantial courthouse building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4591/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government commits the Government to significant reform of the courts, including the establishment of a separate family law court structure that is streamlined, more efficient, and less costly. Following consultations, my Department is preparing draft legislation in the matter and I intend to bring the relevant proposals to Government for its approval as soon as possible. The proposals will then be referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for pre-legislative scrutiny.

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. The Courts Service has informed me that decisions relating to venues for the family court will not be decided until a later stage taking account, inter alia, of the suitability of available facilities for family law proceedings.