Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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424. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the OPW has carried out a recent assessment of Carndonagh courthouse, Carndonagh, County Donegal; if issues have been identified; his plans to remedy same; the timeframe involved; if the OPW will work with the Courts Service to ensure a temporary venue is made available in Carndonagh and that court sittings continue to be held in Carndonagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12866/19]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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440. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the Courts Service plans to temporarily close the courthouse in Carndonagh, County Donegal; if the Courts Service plans to reopen the courthouse; the timeframe involved in reopening the courthouse; if court sittings will continue to take place in Carndonagh using local available community facilities while the courthouse is closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12868/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 424 and 440 together.

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 following professional inspections by the OPW and on their recommendations immediate health and safety issues were highlighted in relation to Carndonagh Courthouse. Therefore court hearings could not continue at the courthouse in the short term.

The Courts Service has advised that a review is currently being carried out and that, in the short term, the Court is currently sitting in Buncrana Courthouse.