The Courts Service is exploring the use of an AI-powered translation system as a way to reduce costs and speed up court proceedings. Currently, around €4 million is spent each year on translation and interpretation services.
The proposed AI solution is still at a proof-of-concept stage, with further development and evaluation required. Testing is ongoing to assess its accuracy.
In parallel, a digital audio recording AI assistant has already passed initial testing and is scheduled for controlled deployment in September and October, subject to readiness.
Speaking previously at an Oireachtas committee on artificial intelligence, Courts Service Chief Information Officer Owen Harrison said the aim is to provide judges with tools to handle minor procedural matters more efficiently. He explained that cases are sometimes delayed when a translator is not immediately available, and an AI solution could help avoid such adjournments. “A number of judges want to see whether we can do anything in this space,” he said.
Courts Service CEO Angela Denning noted that similar technology is already in use internationally. She pointed to Spain as an example where such systems are used effectively, and said that countries like Singapore and Slovenia also use speech-to-text technology in their courts.
Ms Denning said the technology could significantly benefit court users while reducing costs, particularly for routine procedural matters. However, she emphasised that human interpreters would continue to be used for trials and to support legal teams.