Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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366. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will investigate and clarify proposals to remove or downgrade court services in County Tipperary; if she will address issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6017/15]

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 during 2014, the Courts Service commenced a review of the overall delivery of court services, including probate services, in County Tipperary. The purpose of the review is to identify in consultation with all stakeholders a range of options which could be considered to enable the Courts Service to more efficiently and effectively maintain frontline court services in the county. The review will collate and analyse data on court business being conducted in Clonmel and Nenagh Courthouses. It will consider the appropriate operational structure which should underpin the provision of frontline services and the necessary support for court sittings in both locations.

I welcome the consultative approach which is being adopted by the Courts Service in seeking submissions on the review from any interested parties or local interests. The Courts Service had originally sought submissions by the end of November 2014 but they agreed to extend the timeframe for submissions to mid January 2015 to allow for the fullest possible consultation. I am informed that all submissions have now been received and there are some further consultations with key stakeholders and court users in the county to be completed. I have been assured by the Courts Service that all views received will be taken into account in the decision making process. The Courts Service anticipate that its report of the review of court services in County Tipperary will be completed by the end of March. 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.