A total of €176.5 million has been allocated to the courts in Budget 2023, up from €164 million in the previous budget.

It includes a further €2.5 million for the courts modernisation programme, which will “enable the Courts Service to commence large scale implementation and delivery of the new ways of working, digital solutions and user-centric services which are vital to keep pace with demand”.

Another €2.5 million in funding has been provided to strengthen and future-proof judicial support staffing in light of current backlogs and expected demands and future reforms across the system.

The budget also provides for a halving of the court fee and excise for special exemption orders (SEOs) from €410 to €205, reducing the cost for nightclubs and late bars to trade past normal trading hours, in line with the government’s commitment to support the night-time economy.

Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “The government is committed to supporting the night time economy — the many musicians, venues, event operators and organisers who are integral to creating a vibrant cultural life.”

She added: “This follows a number of measures we have taken to support the night time economy, and ahead of longer term licensing reforms which will be announced when I publish the general scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill in the coming weeks.”