The Small Claims Court has increased the threshold for claims to £1,000 (€1,269.74) from £600. The original claim limit of £600 for goods and services purchased has been in place since the court's inception in 1991.
"This will help make the small claims procedure a more attractive option for consumers when seeking redress from retailers or service providers," according to Consumer Watch, the newsletter of the European Consumer Centre.
At the moment, no increase is planned for the £6 required application fee.
The Small Claims Court operates through the separate district courts around the Republic. Practically speaking, it takes three months from the time of the claim until the court hearing. At this time of year it will take longer as the courts are on holiday in July and August.
Free advice on the Small Claims procedure is available through the European Consumer Centre. The centre may be contacted through 13a Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1, tel: 01 809 0600, fax: 809 0601, e-mail: ecic@indigo.ie,website: www.ecic.ie
