Who we are
The Courts Service is an independent State agency established under the Courts Service Act 1998. We are responsible for the administration and management of the courts in Ireland.
On this page
What we do
Our primary functions are to:
- manage the courts
- provide support services to the Judiciary
- provide information about the courts system to the public
- provide court buildings and facilities for court users
Other statutory powers
We also have powers to:
- acquire, hold and dispose of land
- enter into contracts
- designate court venues
- make proposals to the Minister on reform and development matters
Judicial independence
We manage court administration, but we do not decide cases or influence judicial decisions. Judicial functions are exclusively a matter for the Judiciary. Judges are independent in the exercise of these functions under the Constitution.
Mission, vision and values
Mission
To manage the courts, support the Judiciary and provide a high quality and professional service to all users of the courts.
Vision
Delivering excellent services to court users, working in partnership with the Judiciary and others to enable a world-class courts system.
Values
- Service: We are user-focused, timely, friendly, professional and collaborative, and aim to provide services to a high standard.
- Integrity: We act honestly, objectively, fairly, impartially, ethically and accountably.
- Respect: We treat people with courtesy and consideration.
Leadership and structure
Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for implementing the policies approved by the Courts Service Board and for the day-to-day management of the staff, administration and business of the Courts Service. The Chief Executive Officer is also the Accounting Officer for the Courts Service.
Senior Management Team
The Chief Executive Officer is supported by a Senior Management Team that includes:
- Assistant Secretary, Superior Court Operations
- Assistant Secretary, Circuit and District Court Operations
- Assistant Secretary, Strategy and Reform
- Assistant Secretary, Corporate Services
- Assistant Secretary and Chief Information Officer
- Head of Strategic Human Resources
- Head of the Office of the Chief Executive Officer
- Head of Communications
- a representative of Courts Service Principal Officers
The Chief Executive Officer and members of the Senior Management Team are designated public officials under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.
View information about designated public officials
Courts Service Board
The Courts Service is governed by a Board consisting of a chairperson and 17 other members.
The function of the Board is to:
- consider and determine policy in relation to the Courts Service
- oversee the implementation of that policy by the Chief Executive Officer
The Board is supported by its Finance, Audit and Risk, Building, Modernisation, and Family Law Court Development committees.
View the current Board membership, committees, governance documents and meeting minutes
