Tralee courthouse facilities
Pa Daly argued Tralee needs modern courthouse facilities and said the chance to refurbish or relocate should be taken now that another site is available. The Taoiseach responded that he would follow up on the nicotine pouch issue and the Skibbereen course, with the courthouse matter left to be addressed next.
It makes no sense that where an existing court building is in need of updated facilities, every opportunity to refurbish it is not used. The plan in Tralee for years was to take the plans for Letterkenny courthouse, which cost €19 million, and use them in the Denny site which was gifted to Tralee town council ten years ago and on which nothing has happened. Now an opportunity has arisen. The An Post site is for sale. All along the excuse was the existing building was shoehorned in. There is an opportunity to purchase another site. Because no money is available for other court buildings for the next two or three years, why does the Taoiseach not use this opportunity to refurbish the existing building? If there is a report which says it would be cheaper to do otherwise, I would love to see it. I cannot see how it could be cheaper to go the other way with it. Will the Taoiseach commit to refurbishing the existing courthouse and not move it to another part of town?
Comment on this
I thank my colleague in Wicklow, Deputy Whitmore, for raising the important issue of nicotine pouches and bringing it to my attention. That sounds like an alarming and concerning situation for parents, teachers and principals. I undertake to speak with the Minister for Health on the matter and pass on the Deputy's serious concerns, which I share.
I will follow up with Deputy Collins on Skibbereen. I am pleased we have seen more of these courses made available and would be concerned to see their withdrawal. I am not familiar with the rationale behind it but I will get an answer and come back to the Deputy.
I assure Deputy McNamara there is plenty of forward planning but the mid-west region needs particular attention when it comes to health capacity and other issues relating to governance and management of health services. I will ask the Minister for Health to come back to him on the two issues he raised regarding step-down facilities.
Deputy Daly referred to Tralee courthouse. These decisions are made by the Courts Service, as distinct from the Department, but the point he made on value for money in refurbishment versus new building is one I will seek its view on and revert to him.