Ekonomija b’Saħħitha – Futur għal Uliedna: Budget 2026 - Unprecedented investment in our Court system, with more specialisation, modern infrastructure and accessible services
In a press conference, Minister for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard explained how the Government is allocating the largest ever budget in the field of the Justice and Construction Sector Reform, totalling to more than €93 million. Meaning, an 11% increase over the last year.
During a walk about for media members at the Courts of Justice, Minister Attard referred to an unprecedented investment in our Court system which is continuously leading to more specialisation.
This year, the Court Services Agency, when compared to last year, has an 8% increase in their financial allocation. This investment is bringing substantial improvements in infrastructure, modernisation and better accessibility in services for the general public.
One of the most significant developments was the inauguration of the new jury courtroom within the main building, which for the first time enables multiple jury trials to run concurrently. Consequently, this year is expected to close with a record total of 18 jury trials more than twice the previous annual average of 8. The courtroom is equipped with modern technological equipment and tablets for jurors to reduce paper use, improving sustainability, efficiency and professionalism.
Minister Attard also referred to legislative reforms, including the reform of Magisterial Inquiries. This reform has resulted in greater specialisation, with four magistrates exclusively dedicated to this reform. Since the creation of this section in 2024 up to till end of August this year, 1,251 inquiries were filed and more than 830 were concluded, resulting in a clearance rate of over 65%.
Minister Attard emphasised that this modernisation is not only limited to infrastructure. With additional investment in human resources, direct services to citizens have also expanded. The helpdesk service, launched in 2024, has already assisted 886 people who physically visited the Courts to seek information and guidance about their procedures.
“This service is providing immediate answers and is addressing one of the public’s biggest frustrations, the lack of information about where they should go and what stage their case has reached,” said Minister Attard.
When it comes to technology and digitalisation, the Minister highlighted the investment made in both the control room and in the internal systems, improving coordination and strengthening security, with efficient results in the day-to-day operations.
Almost €2 million have been invested in a brand new audio system in all courtrooms in Malta and Gozo, ensuring more secure and reliable recordings. The new CMIS system will centralise case management and improve the distribution of cases among judiciary members.
The Minister concluded, by thanking all court employees, members of the Judiciary, lawyers and legal procurators for their hard work, and reiterated that the Government will continue to invest in the judicial system in order to raise its standards, efficiency and accessibility for all citizens in Malta and Gozo.
The CEO of the Court Services Agency, Vanessa Grech, added that beyond the investment seen during the visit, the agency has completed other important projects. These include the restructuring of the judicial auctions section, now operating from more modern and spacious offices. The offices of the Inquiring Magistrates, the Registry of the Court of Voluntary Jurisdiction, the Court of Revision of Notarial Acts and the publication office have been transferred to Palazzo Conte, inaugurated last September, equipped with modern offices and two halls now being used by the Inquiring Magistrates and the Judge presiding over the Court of Revision of the Notarial Acts.
Present with the Minister and the CEO was the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector, Johan Galea.
