Small Claims Procedure
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Irish National Law
What is this right?
The Small Claims Procedure is a quick, cheap, and informal way to resolve consumer disputes through the District Court:
- Claims up to €2,000.
- The filing fee is just €25.
- You do not need a solicitor — the process is designed for ordinary consumers.
- The Small Claims Registrar will first try to settle the dispute between you and the trader.
- If settlement fails, the claim goes to a District Court hearing — informal, no wigs or gowns.
The procedure covers claims for faulty goods, minor damage to property, poor workmanship, non-delivery, and breach of contract.
When does it apply?
- Your claim is against a trader (not another private individual — though the European Small Claims Procedure can be used for cross-border private disputes).
- The claim is for €2,000 or less.
- The claim relates to goods or services purchased as a consumer, or minor damage to property, or the non-return of a rent deposit (in certain circumstances).
- For cross-border EU disputes, the European Small Claims Procedure allows claims up to €5,000.
What should you do?
- Try to resolve the issue with the trader first — the Registrar will ask if you've done this.
- If that fails, apply online at courts.ie or at your local District Court office. Pay the €25 fee.
- Provide details of the claim, copies of receipts, and any correspondence.
- The trader has 15 days to respond. If they don't respond, the Registrar may make an order in your favour.
- If the claim is contested, a court hearing is scheduled — bring your evidence and any witnesses.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't exaggerate your claim — the court will award only what is fair based on the evidence.
- Don't ignore a counterclaim — the trader may file one against you.
- Don't forget the €2,000 limit — if your claim exceeds this, you'll need to use the regular District Court (up to €15,000) or Circuit Court (up to €75,000).
Legal Resources
We may earn a commission if you use these services — at no extra cost to you. This supports our mission to make legal information free for everyone.
LawDepotSend a formal demand letter to a business or creditor. State-specific financial and consumer documents ready in minutes.Create a Demand Letter →Credit KarmaFree credit monitoring, dispute tools, and alerts. Know when your credit report changes.Check Your Credit Free →IdentityGuardIdentity theft protection and monitoring. Get notified if your personal information is misused.Protect Your Identity →