Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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601. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of courthouses that have been closed nationwide in each of the years 1997 to date in 2021, by county; if replacement courthouses were constructed; if so, the companies contracted to build same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5971/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made regarding the number of court houses that have been closed nationwide in each of the years 1997 to date in 2021.

I am informed that it will take some time for the Courts Service to compile this information, given the period of time encompassed and the scale of the task in checking and compiling the information.  The Courts Service has undertaken to provide a reply to the Deputy before the end of the month.

The Government is committed to ensuring adequate resources for the courts in order to maintain access to justice for all citizens. This commitment was reinforced recently with the highest ever budgetary allocation for the Justice sector including €158.8 million for the Courts Service. This included €8 million for the new Courts Modernisation Programme along with an additional provision of €5.7m for COVID measures to enable court sittings take place in a socially distanced and safe environment. A significant priority for my Department and the Courts Service in the years ahead will be to significantly invest in digital technology, to transform the experience of practioners and of court users.