Supreme Court business up 14 per cent

In its busiest year since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the court resolved a total of 183 applications for leave to appeal in 2024, with 49 granted (27 per cent) and 123 refused (67 per cent).

The court resolved 56 full appeals in 2024, a 75 per cent increase from 32 in 2023 but below the 66 resolved in 2022.

A total of 93 reserved judgments were delivered in 2024, a 52 per cent increase from 61 in 2023.

Four requests for a preliminary ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) were made in 2024.

The annual report also records other activities over the course of 2024, including the court’s involvement in events to commemorate the centenary of the Courts of Justice Act 1924 and the foundation of the independent Irish courts system, its modernisation initiatives, and changes to the court’s membership.

Writing in the foreword, Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell said: “2024 was a memorable year for the Supreme Court as it celebrated its 100-year anniversary.

“The Courts of Justice Act 1924 — the legislation which established Ireland’s independent courts system following the foundation of the Irish Free State — was a remarkable achievement that marked a significant milestone in the life of our new State.

“The provision for a courts system staffed by an independent judiciary obliged to administer justice ‘without fear or favour, affection or ill-will’ is an essential part of the structure of any modern democracy where government is limited by law and a constitution, and an achievement worthy of commemoration one hundred years on.

“Indeed, thanks to the work of a diligent committee of judges and Courts Service officials, our anniversary year provided several moments for pause and celebration, to reflect on the achievements of our system and recommit ourselves to progress yet to be made in ensuring that our system continues to evolve to meets the needs of a modern Ireland.”