The number of European Arrest Warrants (EAW) applied for last year increased almost three-fold, according to the Courts Service Annual Report published today.
Some 171 warrants were sought beofre the High Court of which 67 were granted, 11 refused witht the remaineder either withdrawn or the application process is ongoing.
Ireland was among seven EU countries that agreed to recognise the EAW in 2004. It was formulated as part of the global reposnse to terrorism in the wake of the 9/11 attacks on the US.
Human rights groups have been critical of the provision. Among their concerns are that suspects from other jurisdictions may not be afforded due process or be mistreated in custody.
There was also a 350 per cent increase in new personal injuries cases before the courts as more people reject awards made by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB).
The Board was set up in 2004 and was initially regarded a success but more recently there has been a trend towards attempting to secure higher damages through the more costly and time-consuming process of going to court.
But the Dail this month passed a Bill which provides for barring people who have rejected a PIAB assessment from having their legal costs paid if they fail to obtain a greater award before a court.
The Courts Service report also showed the number of new rape and sexual assault cases before the courts increased by 32 per cent. Some 60 per cent of defendants pleaded guilty while 15 of the 23 trials before a jury last year resulted in conviction and eight in acquittal.
There were 33 new murder cases commenced in 2006, two less than 2005.
Not guilty pleas were entered in 42 out of 52 (80 per cent) of cases before the courts last year.
Nine murder trials ended in acquittals and 39 in convictions - 15 for murder, 18 for manslaughter and four for lesser offences.
The average duration for a murder trial was 8.8 days and 5.3 days for rape.
Chief Justice and Chair of the Board of the Courts Service Mr Justice John Murray said the changes in Irish society presented new challenges that were being addressed through new facilities and procedures.
"Among the factors impacting on the work of the courts are: the growth in population, including the development of new major population centres; the need to provide extra services for immigrants and young offenders coming before the courts; and the expansion of the role of courts through new legislation and policies as well as the expansion in the volume of work of the courts.
"In 2006 many administrative improvements have been made, to take one example, in many District Court offices a new system of recording Court Orders has cut the waiting time for such orders from 8 weeks to 3 days - a tremendous achievement," Mr Justice Murray said.
Work was completed on the refurbishment or construction of nine courthouses while improvements in facilities included
There had been long-standing criticism of the provision for victims and witnesses in courthouses as suspects often mingle in common areas with those givning evidence against them.
The Central Criminal Court and the Circuit Criminal Court last year completed work on special rooms in all new and refurbished courthouses for victims, their families and support organisations.
In the Central Criminal Court and the Circuit Criminal Court special seating was provided for victims in murder and manslaughter cases.
The new Criminal Courts Complex planned for Dublin will include such facilites and courtrooms have been designed to minimise the proximity of victims and their families to defendants and accused persons.