The Courts Service today published its annual report for 2023, revealing that almost 550,000 new cases came before the courts last year.

The number of new cases in the High Court rose by eight per cent to 17,346, including 779 asylum judicial review cases — a 132 per cent increase.

Overall, new civil cases across all courts increased to almost 180,000 last year, up from 170,000 in 2022 and 140,365 in 2021. The courts completed 143,644 civil cases, up from 137,000 in 2022.

Meanwhile, 367,000 new criminal matters were presented to the courts last year and 338,000 cases were finalised, with a 10 per cent increase in finalised cases in the Central Criminal Court and a five per cent increase in the Circuit Court.

Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne, chairperson of the Courts Service board, said: “This [report] is but a snapshot of the work of the courts in 2023, which highlights the strides being made in dealing with the legacy of challenges associated with a post-pandemic era, and consistently driving and implementing change to improve court services to users.

“Reductions in waiting times and the higher levels of cases finalised and resolved across the system, is evidence of the huge efforts of my colleagues in the judiciary and the staff of the Courts Service. Extra judges and modernisation of systems are already making great changes for all who deal with the courts.”

Angela Denning, CEO of the Courts Service, said: “24 new judges were appointed in 2023 in the wake of the publication in February 2023 of the report of the Judicial Planning Working Group.

“That report provided an independent and objective assessment of the need for a greater number of judges in the short to medium term, and the introduction of a model to assess future judicial resource needs, including associated support, on an ongoing basis in the future.

“These extra judges have had an instant impact, reducing backlogs and waiting times, and supporting initiatives like the new Planning and Environment Court and administration associated with the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, which commenced in 2023.

“The implementation of the JPWG report, together with the changes in progress under the Courts Service Modernisation Programme and other areas of reform is a continued investment into an improved courts system for Ireland.”

Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “The Courts Service continues to drive positive change through digital innovation. I’m pleased to see so many examples of how this is improving people’s experiences of engaging with the courts system and attending court.

“I am committed to ensuring that the courts are resourced to administer justice effectively and efficiently for our citizens.

“In 2023, an historic additional 24 judges were appointed following Government approval of the recommendations of the Judicial Planning Working Group. There is a further recommendation of 20 extra judges subject to an assessment of the impact of the first tranche on court business.”

She added: “I thank the Courts Service for its hard work and diligence in getting planning permission this year for the Dublin family courts complex in Hammond Lane, which is a key project in my family justice strategy and will be a game changer for those navigating the family justice system in Ireland.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Courts Service to facilitate access to justice for our citizens and families in a fair, more efficient and compassionate way.”