Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

If accepted, this amendment's impact would be that cases under sections 15C(1), 15C(2) and 15C(3) could be brought to the District Court. However, the District Court cannot grant reliefs such as injunctions and declarations. That is one reason that it would be inappropriate to have this provision. While the authority cannot seek damages, a private party can do so, and the limit on the District Court, as Members are aware, is €6,350, which is very low. In the circumstances, it would seem unhelpful to people who might wish to use this section that their actions be taken through the District Court. The Circuit Court would be far stronger.

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