Computers hold court as ledgers and ink bow out

A new computerised accounting system is to be introduced in the courts to replace the "ink-and-ledger" system which has been …

A new computerised accounting system is to be introduced in the courts to replace the "ink-and-ledger" system which has been in existence since the foundation of the State.

The Funds Accounting System is replacing a paper-based system, which used large manual ledgers, to administer some €800 million of funds held by the courts.

In attempts to modernise the courts, the new accounts system is seen as a key element in the process.

The AGRESSO system will be used to manage the funds of wards of court and minors.

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Wards of court are citizens who have their financial affairs managed by the courts.

Minors are recipients of court awards whose awards are managed by the courts until their 18th birthday.

The current €800 million of funds is expected to increase to some €1 billion over the next two years.

The new accounts system is aimed at improving the administration of these funds.

Independent management and administration of court services began in 1999.

This followed the establishment of the Courts Service.

Mr Sean Quigley, director of finance and accountant of the Courts of Justice, said the new initiatives mean the Courts Service "will be in a position to provide improved customer service while also being able to provide these services in a more efficient manner".

The new system also means that Circuit Court and District Court funds can be managed centrally.

Implementing the new system involved converting several thousand manual records and restructuring the accounts office.

Mr Quigley said he believed that the new system would improve accountability through the publication of annual financial statements.

The AGRESSO system is designed to complement the recent appointment of investment advisers and fund managers to ensure the courts funds are managed "in accordance with best practice".

The system will also be used to provide IT solutions, helping to improve the efficiency of the collection and paying out of family-law maintenance payments, the administration of fines and court fees.

The AGRESSO system has been supplied by Mentec International and is supported by IBM.

The managing director of Mentec International, Mr Kevin Haverty, said the public sector has undergone major changes in recent years, including a fundamental review of the way public bodies operate.

"We have had significant involvement in this change process assisting our clients to deliver enhanced service to their customers, both internal and external, along with increased operational efficiency."