Courts Policy Division

Under the Courts Service Act 1998, responsibility for the management of the courts system is conferred on the Courts Service, which was established in 1999.

The role of the Courts Policy Division is to carry out ministerial functions in relation to the courts.

Our responsibilities

We are also responsible for all aspects of policy, secondary legislation, financing and management of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.

The Courts Service of Ireland was established in 1999 in accordance with the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998. The statutory framework of the Courts Service establishes clear lines of accountability, responsibility and transparency.

Under the Act, responsibility for the management of the courts system is conferred on the Courts Service.

Our Courts Policy Division is responsible for discharging Ministerial functions in relation to the courts, including:

constitutional and legislative matters related to judicial appointments and assignments the making of Rules of Court
the preparation of material in relation to the Minister's accountability to the Dáil on court issues

We are also responsible for policy underlying courts-related legislation.

We examine and consider proposals from the Courts Service regarding financial and staffing matters and major court development programmes in the IT and building areas and advises the Minister in relation to the provision and utilisation of resources.

We also ensure that the Courts Service is appropriately resourced and that the necessary reporting systems are in place to enable the Minister to discharge her responsibility in regard to the Service.

For further information, see the Courts Services website.