Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

114. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a project (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2497/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 the Courts Service acknowledges that improved court facilities are needed in Portlaoise. The Courts Service has stated that it will not be possible to accommodate all the desired facilities within the site of the current courthouse and that it is therefore the aim of the Courts Service to find a new site in the environs of the town for the construction of a new courthouse. The Courts Service has advised that this proposed project is completely reliant on securing an alternative site and the availability of funding. I am informed that the Office of Public Works has been assisting the Courts Service in trying to find a suitable site, however, one has not been located to date.