Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Reforming the operation of the family justice system to ensure that we have a more efficient and user-friendly family court system is a key continuing commitment in the Department's Justice Plan. The Programme for Government also contains a commitment to build a new Family Law Court building in Dublin.

The Hammond Lane complex will be built with the specific needs of family law users in mind and will provide a modern facility where family law cases can be held in a dignified, secure and non-threatening environment with a range of support services at hand. It will replace the present inadequate and fragmented facilities for family law in central Dublin at Dolphin House, Chancery Street, Phoenix House and in the Four Courts.

Work has commenced on the project and approval in principle to proceed (Decision Gate 1 under the Public Spending Code) was granted by my Department in June 2022. Project structures have been established, including a Project Board to oversee the implementation of the project comprising of senior officials from the stakeholder organisations.

An extensive engagement process has taken place with 24 internal and external stakeholders. More recently, the Courts Service Hammond Lane Project Board approved in principle the design plans of the building at its meeting on 28 November 2022, subject to a number of amendments that are currently being addressed.

The Courts Service continues to work with OPW regarding the Part 9 Planning application and progressing the transfer of the site into Courts Service ownership.