Gay Mitchell
Ceist:134 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if she will make a statement on the current position relating to the performance of small claims courts. [3215/94]
Vol. 447 No. 1
134 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if she will make a statement on the current position relating to the performance of small claims courts. [3215/94]
The Small Claims Procedure was introduced in four District Court venues on a pilot basis in December, 1991. The procedure is designed to handle consumer claims speedily, cheaply, and informally without involving a solicitor. To be eligible to use the procedure, the "consumer" must have bought the goods or the service for private use and from a person selling them in the course of a business. Initially the procedure covered claims for up to £500 for bad workmanship and faulty goods as far as most everyday transactions for goods and services are concerned but not for debts or personal injury. A fee of £5 is charged for making a claim.