Vol. 317 No. 9
asked the Minister for Justice if he considers that the limit of £1,000 on the amount of damages which can be awarded for mental distress in fatal accident cases is totally inadequate and if he will amend the Civil Liability Act to permit such figure to be assessed by jury or increase the limit substantially.
331.
asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, to reform section 49 of the Civil Liability Act in respect of damages for mental distress caused by death, which are at present limited to £1,000, how long this limit is in operation and if he is satisfied with the position.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 331 together.
The power to make awards for mental distress was introduced, and limited to £1,000, by the Civil Liability Act, 1961. I have at present under examination the question of an increase in the limit.
