Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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190. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if it was an error that there was no provision for Circuit Court sittings in Athlone court house for 2018; if so, the reason this oversight occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45280/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions. Furthermore, the scheduling of court cases and the allocation of court business in the Circuit Court are matters for the President of the Circuit Court and the presiding judge who are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the calendar for 2018 for the Midland Circuit was agreed last week. The Courts Service has advised that, in the Hilary Term 2018, Circuit Court civil and family law cases have been listed for Athlone in the week commencing 20 March 2018. The Courts Service has also advised that once the courthouse in Mullingar reopens following refurbishment, the normal sitting pattern will be resumed for civil and family law with one week in Mullingar and one week in Athlone.