Courts data protection notice
This notice explains how personal data is processed by or on behalf of the courts of Ireland when acting in a judicial capacity — that is, when performing their judicial functions under the Constitution and the law.
Information about how the Courts Service collects and uses personal data in its administrative functions is available in our Privacy statement.
About the courts
The courts of Ireland include the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Circuit Court, District Court, and the Special Criminal Courts. In this notice, they are collectively referred to as “the courts.” References to “data subjects” mean individuals whose personal data is processed by the courts.
Any queries about such processing should be directed to the office of the relevant court. Find contact details for all court offices >
Personal data processed by the courts
The courts process a wide range of personal data, which may include names and contact details as well as sensitive information such as racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, trade union membership, genetic or biometric data, and health information.
The types of data processed depend on the nature of the proceedings (for example, criminal or civil cases) and the content of documents filed, exchanged, or issued during proceedings.
Sources of personal data
- Parties to proceedings (for example, a plaintiff or defendant) or their legal advisers
- Witnesses giving evidence before the court
- Persons required to provide discovery or other information
- Publicly available sources such as reported judgments
Data controller
Each court is a data controller under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, for personal data processed by or on behalf of that court when acting in a judicial capacity.
Purposes and legal basis for processing
Personal data is processed by and on behalf of the courts for the following purposes:
- Carrying out judicial functions under the Constitution
- Administering justice, including publishing judgments and court lists
- Efficient management and operation of the courts and statistical analysis
The legal basis for processing is set out in the Constitution, the Courts of Justice Acts 1924–2023, the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Acts 1961–2023, and other relevant legislation including the Offences Against the State Act 1939 (as amended) for the Special Criminal Court.
Recipients of personal data
Personal data contained in court records may be made available to individuals or organisations entitled or permitted to access them, including:
- Parties to the proceedings or their legal representatives
- Accredited members of the media reporting on court proceedings
- Members of the public attending court hearings (except where proceedings are held in camera)
- Other third parties as provided by law, rules of court, or practice
Judgments, lists of proceedings, or schedules of hearings (such as the legal diary) are generally published to meet the constitutional requirement that justice be administered in public.
Transfers abroad
In some cases (for example, in matters of judicial cooperation or transcription services), personal data may be transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA), including to countries not recognised by the European Commission as providing equivalent data protection. Appropriate safeguards are applied in such cases.
Further information is available from the Data Protection Officer, Courts Service, 15–24 Phoenix Street North, Smithfield, Dublin 7.
Retention
Personal data is retained for as long as necessary to perform the courts’ functions under the Constitution and law, ensure the administration of justice, and manage the operation of the courts.
Some court records are preserved under the National Archives Act 1986. In those cases, the National Archives becomes the data controller of the preserved records.
Data subject rights
While courts process data in accordance with data protection principles, the rights of data subjects are limited when courts act in a judicial capacity, in order to protect judicial independence and safeguard court proceedings.
These restrictions are set out in the Data Protection Act 2018 and related Rules made under the Act.
Restricted rights include:
- Right to information – limited to what is published in this general notice or related notices on the Courts.ie website.
- Right of access – only available where permitted by statute, rules of court, or court practice.
