An interesting piece by Colm Rapple in last Sunday’s “The Irish Mail on Sunday”, where he points out that the small claims court can still only hear claims for under €2,000. It’s been this figure for almost a decade!
This court is a solicitor free zone – i.e. no need to employ a solicitor – just represent yourself. It’s easy and cheap, and we would welcome the limit be increased.
It’s not easy to tell clients that in small claims say just over €2,000, that they will have to pay up to €1,000, even if they win the claim in the ordinary courts !
Also, its time to extend the small claims court jurisdiction so that it can hear claims for negligence e.g. injury claims and accident compensation claims.It’s in everyone’s interests to keep expenses low.
– an opinion by Kilkenny Lawyers Holland Condon Solicitors
