From January 1st consumers will be able to pursue small claims against suppliers or service providers from other European Union countries.
The European Small Claims Procedure will allow claims less than €2,000 to be pursued across all EU member states with the exception of Denmark.
The regulation is intended to improve access to justice by simplifying cross-border small claims litigation in civil and commercial matters and reducing costs.
Announcing the news today Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said the regulation would “facilitate the more rapid and cost effective processing and collection of such claims”.