Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 19:

In page 58, before section 72, but in Chapter 2, to insert the following new section:

"72.—Order 53A of the District Court Rules, 1997 (S.I. No. 410 of 2001) is amended—

(a) in Rule 1, by the substitution in the definition of "small claim" of "€10,000" for "€1,269.74",

(b) in Rule 3, by the substitution of "€10.00" for "€9.00", and

(c) in Rule 7, by the substitution of "€10.00" for "€9.00".".

This is a simple measure. In view of increased costs resulting from inflation, etc., it is necessary to increase the claim of €1,269.74, which is now regarded as very small. It should be increased considerably to relieve the clogging up of courts. It is very reasonable and I am sure the Minister will agree.