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Minister McEntee welcomes new Corporate Strategic Plan of the Courts Service for 2021-2023

  • Plan covers the first phase of a ten-year vision to transform the courts
  • Six strategic goals identified to create a modern, fit-for-purpose and cost-effective system which is people-centred
  • Strategic Plan points to Digital First future for the Courts Service
  • Supported by a range of commitments in the Programme for Government 

The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, has today welcomed the publication of the Courts Service Corporate Strategic Plan 2021-2023.

Minister McEntee said,

“Today’s publication of the Strategic Plan for the Courts Service represents a watershed in setting out the direction, challenges and priorities for the development of a modern, fit-for-purpose and cost-effective courts system.

“As Minister for Justice, I am committed to driving the modernisation and Digital First agenda across the entire Justice Sector. I therefore particularly welcome the goal of the Courts Service to maximise the use of digital technologies to provide an improved and yet user-centred service.

“The Courts Service have adapted with innovation and speed during the pandemic and many of the practices introduced due to Covid, such as increased use of video links and e-filing, point the way towards a Digital First future for the Courts Service.

“The Strategic Plan also coincides with a whole range of related commitments made in the Programme for Government. These include the creation of a dedicated Family Court, the establishment of a new Judicial Appointments Commission and the implementation of those key reforms recommended for the administration of civil justice by Mr. Justice Peter Kelly and for vulnerable witnesses in sexual violence cases by Mr. Tom O’Malley SC. It also follows the recent establishment of the Judicial Council.

The Courts Service Corporate Strategic Plan 2021-2023 was developed following consultation with a wide range of stakeholders resulting in the development of strategic goals that are intended to be inclusive of the views and experiences of all court users.

Minister McEntee added,

“I also want to commend the Judiciary and the Courts Service for their tenacity and commitment. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, they have embraced innovation in maintaining vital functions with particular focus on children, victims of domestic abuse and other citizens who are most vulnerable at this time. I look forward to working with them in the delivery of their ongoing programme of modernisation under this Strategic Plan and under the relevant Programme for Government commitments.”

Note for Editors

The 2021-2023 Plan is now available here: Courts Service Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 - 2023

The publication by the Courts Service of its latest three-yearly Corporate Strategic Plan for the period 2021 – 2023 has been approved by Minister McEntee and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas under the relevant terms of the Courts Service Act 1998.

The strategic goals, priority actions and key outcomes were developed by the Courts Service following consultation with managers, the Board of the Courts Service, its key partners in justice and with court users. This reflects the Courts Service’s long-term strategic vision and deliverables set out in its related Modernisation Programme. 

The Courts Service Strategic Plan 2021-2023 contains six strategic goals, 26 priority actions and 22 key outcomes. The six strategic goals are:

  • Adopt new collaborative ways of working, taking a user-centric approach, to provide improved and enhanced service delivery.
  • Work collaboratively with the Judiciary to define and provide the resources needed to effectively carry out their judicial functions.
  • Adopt a digital first approach.
  • Continue to invest in and support our people to create a high-performing organisation, delivering on the modernisation agenda and broader government priorities.
  • Provide buildings that are modern, fit-for-purpose, safe and accessible and support the new ways in which we will conduct business.
  • Put in place robust governance structures to ensure effective accountability and leadership for our modernisation and reform agenda.

Resourcing

Budget 2021 provided the highest ever budgetary allocation for the Justice sector including €158.8 million for the Courts Service. This included €8 million for the initial phase of the Courts Modernisation Programme along with an additional provision of €5.7 million for COVID measures to enable court sittings take place in a socially distanced and safe environment.