Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1711. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the policy rationale underpinning the current level and structure of court fees applicable in the superior courts; and how this rationale reflects the constitutional right of access to the courts, particularly in cases involving alleged breaches of constitutional rights. [1071/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1712. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the basis on which the State and State bodies are exempt from certain court fees under S.I. No. 492/2014; and whether consideration has been given to the impact of these exemptions on equality of arms between the State and private litigants. [1072/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1714. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether consideration has been given to introducing reduced or waived court fees in the Superior Courts for proceedings that raise bona fide constitutional or public-interest issues; and if so, to outline the options examined. [1074/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1715. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has assessed the potential chilling effect of court fees and adverse costs exposure on individuals seeking to vindicate constitutional rights; and if so, to provide details of any such assessment. [1075/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1716. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has examined how other common-law jurisdictions address court fees and costs in constitutional or public-interest litigation; and whether any such models are being considered in an Irish context. [1076/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1711, 1712, 1714, 1715 and 1716 together.
Matters arising in relation to court fees are kept under consideration by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration as appropriate, including in regard to monitoring developments in other jurisdictions. The court fee structures currently in place are designed to be proportionate and balanced to ensure continued access to justice while supporting appropriate contribution to the efficient running of the court system overall.
The current Superior Courts fees system reflects the need to ensure the interests of applicants as well as considering the public interest in the smooth operation of the court system. This balance of interests, as well as applicable administrative considerations, is evident in the extensive range of existing exemptions from court fees already in place, in regard to specific categories of proceedings and by some State bodies.
I can confirm that S.I. No. 492/2014 (Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court (Fees) Order 2014) is currently under review with a view to revising a number of its provisions.
