Accessing your personal data and court records
How to access your personal data and court records
The Courts Service provides two types of data access requests:
- Personal data requests (subject access requests - SARs) – If you want a copy of your personal data held by the Courts Service under GDPR.
- Court record requests – If you need access to court records, which are controlled by the judiciary, not the Courts Service.
How to request your personal data (subject access request - SAR)
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to request a copy of the personal data that the Courts Service holds about you.
Prepare your request
Your request must include:
- Your full name
- Details of the data you are requesting
- Proof of identity (passport or driver’s license)
- Proof of address (utility bill)
If applying on behalf of someone else, include a signed authorization letter.
Submit your request
Send your request to:
Data Protection Unit
Office of the CEO, Courts Service
15/24 Phoenix House, Smithfield, Dublin 7Email: [email protected]
Processing your request
Your request will be verified and sent to the relevant department. You will receive a response within one month.
Need help? Contact the Data Protection Unit at 01 888 6130 / 6461 / 6632.
How to request court records
Court records are under the control of the judiciary, not the Courts Service. If you need access to a court record, you must contact the court office where the case was heard.
Check if you are eligible
Only certain people may be granted access to court records:
- Parties to the case or their legal representatives should contact the court office where the case was heard.
- Journalists may apply under special rules.
- Any other access is subject to judicial approval.
Contact the correct court office
Find the court office where the case was heard and follow their process.
Legal rules for accessing court records
The following rules apply for processing personal data contained in court records:
- S.I. No. 660 of 2018 – Data Protection Act 2018 (Superior Courts Rules)
- S.I. No. 662 of 2018 – Data Protection Act 2018 (Circuit Court Rules)
- S.I. No. 664 of 2018 – Data Protection Act 2018 (District Court Rules)
