The Courts Service said today it has reduced its operating costs by €30 million in the past two years despite a 40 per cent increase in the number of cases it processes.
According to its annual report, which was published today, savings have been achieved by a 9 per cent reduction in staff, the amalgamation of court venues and improvements in technology.
Video conferencing facilities, for example, reduce the need for defendants and witnesses to travel long distances and digital audio recordings, used in 159 courtrooms across the country, have also produced savings and efficiencies.
The report said the electronic transfer of information between the courts and the gardaí has reduced the administration associated with old manual methods by 75 per cent and free up hours equal to approximately 105 full time equivalent staff.
There were over 2.5 million visits to the web site, www.courts.ie, during the year by those seeking information on court lists and judgements, paying fines, making small claims or searching for details of High Court cases.
Chief Justice Mr Justice John L. Murray said the service had provided more for less in the past year.
"The management and personnel of the Courts Service have responded to all of the challenges of 2010 with the same versatility and acumen they have demonstrated since its establishment," he said.
However he said it was inevitable that further reductions of resources "would have adverse implications, potentially of serious dimensions, on the functioning of the courts and ensuring access by citizens to them."
Courts Service chief executive Brendan Ryan said a commendable service had been delivered despite reductions in staff numbers and an increased workload.
"The Courts Service was uniquely prepared for reform and change, as it had undertaken a root and branch examination under its own initiative a year before the Croke Park Agreement," he said.
Presented with the report this afternoon, Minister for Justice Alan Shatter said the tangible evidence of progress could be seen in the use of technology and the development of modern courthouse facilities.
He said the Courts Service was "one of the most successful agencies in the public service today."
"I congratulate you all on the continuing progress achieved in a period of increased demand for court services while operating with reduced resources," he said.