Seán Barrett
Question:141 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice when he intends establishing the small claims procedure announced some time ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Small Claims Procedure.
Theresa Ahearn
Question:150 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice when he intends to establish a small claims procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 150 together.
On 10 June 1991 I announced the introduction of a small claims procedure, as promised in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.
The procedure will provide a quick, informal and inexpensive forum for resolving disputes which may be small in monetary terms but signficant to the parties involved. The procedure will be consumer-orientated and will relate to claims, such as faulty goods, goods not supplied and bad workmanship, which do not exceed in value the sum of £500.00. Claims related to personal injuries, damage arising from traffic accidents or hire purchase, leasing or other loan arrangements will not be covered by the proposed procedure.
The District Court Rules Committee have now formulated a set of rules for the operation of the procedure.
Arrangements are at an advanced stage for the commencement of the procedure in District Court offices in November. Initially, the procedure will operate on a pilot basis in two venues in the Dublin Metropolitan District and in Cork city and Sligo.