192 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Justice when the major refurbishing programme on Cork's Courthouse at Washington Street will commence; where the Circuit and High Courts will sit while this work is under way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2574/96]

The refurbishment of the courthouse at Washington Street is being undertaken in two phases. Cork Corporation, who is the Department's agent for the project, has received tenders for phase one which relates mainly to exterior works. My Department has recently received a full report from Cork Corporation on the tenders received. This report has to be considered by my Department, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Finance prior to giving the final approval to proceed. At this stage I cannot give an actual commencement date for this phase of the works.