The Courts Service is governed by a board consisting of a chairperson and seventeen other members.

The function of the Board is to

  • consider and determine policy in relation to the Service, and
  • oversee the implementation of that policy by the Chief Executive Officer.

Membership of the Board

The Hon. Ms. Justice Elizabeth Dunne, Chairperson Judge of the Supreme Court and Chairperson of the Board
The Hon. Ms. Justice Caroline Costello

President of the Court of Appeal

The Hon. Mr. Justice David Barniville

President of the High Court

The Hon. Mr. Justice Seamus Woulfe

Elected by the ordinary judges of the Supreme Court

The Hon. Ms. Justice Tara Burns

Elected by the ordinary judges of the Court of Appeal

The Hon. Mr. Justice Tony O'Connor

Elected by the ordinary judges of the High Court

The Hon. Ms. Justice Patricia Ryan

President of the Circuit Court

His Honour Judge Keenan Johnson

Elected by the ordinary judges of the Circuit Court

His Honour Judge Paul Kelly

President of the District Court

Judge Alan Mitchell

Elected by the judges of the District Court

Ms. Angela Denning

Chief Executive Officer of the Courts Service

Mr. Sean Guerin

Chair of the Bar Council of Ireland

Mr. Stuart Gilhooly

Nominee of the Law Society of Ireland

Mr. Derek Bunyan

Elected by the staff of the Service

Ms. Rachel Woods

Official of the Department of Justice and Equality nominated by the Minister

Ms. Sarah Benson

nominated by the Minister to represent the consumers of the services provided by the courts

Mr. Owen Reidy, General Secretary

nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions

Mr. Noel Beecher

nominated by the Minister for relevant knowledge and experience in commerce, finance or administration.

 

Committees

The Courts Service Board has established a number of Committees which support the Board in carrying out its functions. The following committees deal with a range of issues:

  • Finance Committee
  • Building Committee
  • Family Law Court Development Committee
  • Audit and Risk Committee

Further information on the Board and Committees is contained in the Courts Service Governance Framework Document.

Board Governance

The Terms of Reference of the Courts Service Board set out the structure and composition, remit, powers and authority, membership and operating procedures of the Board.  

The Courts Service Board has put in place a Code of Conduct for Board members.  The Code supports the Board in operating to the highest standards of integrity, accountability and transparency.

Board Meetings

The Courts Service Board usually schedules 5 to 6 meetings each year. Additional Board meetings are arranged as required.

A note of matters considered and decisions made at Board meetings can be accessed below.

Board Meeting Documents

About Us - Minutes of Meetings 2019 - Attachment Block