Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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490. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans regarding the court services in County Westmeath (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35437/17]

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 and the Courts Service has informed me that Mullingar Courthouse is currently being refurbished and extended as part of the Courts Service seven courthouse PPP bundle. The Mullingar courthouse is currently scheduled for completion and handover to the Courts Service at the end of November 2017. During the construction period the Courts Service endeavoured to maintain as many court sittings as possible within the county of Westmeath. Temporary accommodation was acquired in Mullingar (in St Loman's GAA Club) to ensure that District Court sittings remained in Mullingar. In addition, Athlone courthouse has accommodated, on a temporary basis, increased Circuit Court sittings for civil and family law business.

The opening of the refurnished and extended Mullingar Courthouse will enable the return of sittings of the Circuit Criminal Court to Mullingar. There are currently no plans to transfer criminal, civil and family law cases relating to the District Court Area of Athlone to Mullingar. Consequently no consideration is being given to a reduction in District Court sitting days in Athlone.