Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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144. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans regarding a site for a new courthouse in Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31721/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be 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. The Courts Service has been looking for a site for a new courthouse in Portlaoise for a number of years and has, in cooperation with Laois County Council and with the assistance of the Office of Public Works, examined a number of potential sites. An architectural assessment of a site is currently being carried out by the Office of Public Works and the Courts Service is to consider this assessment once it has been completed.