Updated to 16 September 2025 (Act No. 10 of 2025 and S.I. No. 431 of 2025)
All effects below are reflected in the most recent Revised Act.
Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004
No. 31 of 2004
Contents
Commencement
| Section | Commencement/Effective Date Where the commencement and effective dates differ, the effective date is shown below.
|
Commencement Information |
|---|---|---|
| S. 1 | 20 September 2004 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(1) |
| Ss. 2-4 | 21 July 2004 | Commenced on enactment |
| Ss. 5, 6 | 20 September 2004 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(1) |
| S. 7 | 31 March 2005 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(2) |
| S. 8 | 20 September 2004 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(1) |
| S. 9-18 | 31 March 2005 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(2) |
| S. 19 | 20 September 2004 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(1) |
| S. 20 | 31 March 2005 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(2) |
| Ss. 21, 22 | 20 September 2004 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(1) |
| Ss. 23, 24 | 31 March 2005 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(2) |
| Ss. 25, 26 | 20 September 2004 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(1) |
| Ss. 27, 28 | 31 March 2005 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(2) |
| S. 29 | 20 September 2004 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(1) |
| S. 30 | Not yet commenced | Requires commencement order under s. 1(2) |
| Ss. 31-38 | 21 July 2004 | Commenced on enactment |
| S. 39 | 20 September 2004 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(1) |
| S. 40 | 31 March 2005 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(2) |
| Ss. 41-44 | 20 September 2004 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(1) |
| S. 45-48 | 11 January 2017 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2017 (S.I. No. 2 of 2017), art. 2 |
| S. 49 | 21 July 2004 | Commenced on enactment |
| S. 50-53 | 11 January 2017 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2017 (S.I. No. 2 of 2017), art. 2 |
| Ss. 54, 55 | 20 September 2004 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 544 of 2004), art. 3(1) |
| S. 56 | 21 July 2004 | Commenced on enactment |
Amendments and other effects
| How Affected | Affecting Provision | Affecting Provision Commencement/Effective Date
Where the commencement and effective dates differ, the effective date is shown below.
|
Commencement Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Act, Part 2 included in collectively cited Civil Liability Acts | 30/2017, s. 1(2) | 1 October 2018 | Civil Liability (Amendment) Act 2017 (Parts 1, 2 and 3) (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 377 of 2018), art. 2 |
| S. 2(1) definition of "personal injuries action" amended | 33/2022, ss. 1(5), 32 | 10 April 2023 | Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 163 of 2023), art. 2 |
| S. 2(1) definition of "personal injuries action" reference construed | 33/2022, ss. 1(5), 19, 20(a)-(h), 23, 24(1) | 10 April 2023 | Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 163 of 2023), art. 2 |
| S. 2(1) definition of "pleading" applied with modifications | 33/2022, ss. 1(5), 23, 24(1), (2)(a) | 10 April 2023 | Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 163 of 2023), art. 2 |
| S. 8 applied with modifications | 33/2022, ss. 1(5), 23, 24(1), (2)(b) | 10 April 2023 | Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 163 of 2023), art. 2 |
| S. 8(1) amended | 42/2018, ss. 13(2)(a), (b), 15(2) | 28 January 2019 | Central Bank (National Claims Information Database) Act 2018 (Commencement) Order 2019 (S.I. No. 2 of 2019), art. 2 |
| 65/2015, ss. 1(2), 220(1)(a) | Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(2) | ||
| S. 8(3) inserted | 65/2015, ss. 1(2), 220(1)(b) | Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(2) | |
| S. 10(1) applied with modifications | 33/2022, ss. 1(5), 23, 24(1), (2)(c) | 10 April 2023 | Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 163 of 2023), art. 2 |
| S. 10(2) applied with modifications | 33/2022, ss. 1(5), 23, 24(1), (2)(d) | 10 April 2023 | Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 163 of 2023), art. 2 |
| S. 12 applied with modifications | 33/2022, ss. 1(5), 23, 24(1), (2)(e) | 10 April 2023 | Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 163 of 2023), art. 2 |
| S. 14(4A) inserted | 42/2018, ss. 13(3), 15(2) | 28 January 2019 | Central Bank (National Claims Information Database) Act 2018 (Commencement) Order 2019 (S.I. No. 2 of 2019), art. 2 |
| S. 15(1) amended | 27/2017, ss. 1(2), 22 | 1 January 2018 | Mediation Act 2017 (Commencement) Order 2017 (S.I. No. 591 of 2017), art. 2 |
| S. 17(1) amended | 65/2015, ss. 1(2), 220(2)(a) | Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(2) | |
| S. 17(2) amended | 18/2023, ss. 1(4), 50 | Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(4) | |
| S. 17(2A) inserted | 30/2017, ss. 1(3), 1(4), 6(a) | 1 October 2018 | Civil Liability (Amendment) Act 2017 (Parts 1, 2 and 3) (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 377 of 2018), art. 2 |
| S. 17(5) amended | 30/2017, ss. 1(3), 1(4), 6(b) | 1 October 2018 | Civil Liability (Amendment) Act 2017 (Parts 1, 2 and 3) (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 377 of 2018), art. 2 |
| S. 17(5A) inserted | 30/2017, ss. 1(3), 1(4), 6(c) | 1 October 2018 | Civil Liability (Amendment) Act 2017 (Parts 1, 2 and 3) (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 377 of 2018), art. 2 |
| S. 17(6A) inserted | 65/2015, ss. 1(2), 220(1)(b) | Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(2) | |
| S. 17(7) amended | 30/2017, ss. 1(3), 1(4), 6(d) | 1 October 2018 | Civil Liability (Amendment) Act 2017 (Parts 1, 2 and 3) (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 377 of 2018), art. 2 |
| S. 17A inserted | 18/2023, ss. 1(4), 51 | Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(4) | |
| 65/2015, ss. 1(2), 220(3) | Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(2) | ||
| S. 22 applied with modifications | 33/2022, ss. 1(5), 23, 24(1), (2)(f) | 10 April 2023 | Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 163 of 2023), art. 2 |
| S. 22(1) substituted | 33/2019, ss. 1(2), 99(a) as inserted by 4/2021, ss. 1(4), 30 | 24 April 2021 | Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2021 (Part 9) (Commencement) Order 2021 (S.I. No. 180 of 2021), art. 2 |
| 33/2019, ss. 1(2), 99(a) | 24 April 2021 | Judicial Council Act 2019 (Commencement) Order 2021 (S.I. No. 182 of 2021), art. 2 | |
| S. 22(1A) inserted | 33/2019, ss. 1(2), 99(b) as inserted by 4/2021, ss. 1(4), 30 | 24 April 2021 | Judicial Council Act 2019 (Commencement) Order 2021 (S.I. No. 182 of 2021), art. 2 |
| S. 22(2) amended | 33/2019, ss. 1(2), 99(c) as inserted by 4/2021, ss. 1(4), 30 | 24 April 2021 | Judicial Council Act 2019 (Commencement) Order 2021 (S.I. No. 182 of 2021), art. 2 |
| 33/2019, ss. 1(2), 99(b) | |||
| S. 22(3) substituted | 33/2019, ss. 1(2), 99(d) as inserted by 4/2021, ss. 1(4), 30 | 24 April 2021 | Judicial Council Act 2019 (Commencement) Order 2021 (S.I. No. 182 of 2021), art. 2 |
| S. 22(3) deleted | 33/2019, ss. 1(2), 99(c) | 24 April 2021 | Judicial Council Act 2019 (Commencement) Order 2021 (S.I. No. 182 of 2021), art. 2 |
| Part 2A (ss. 32A-D) inserted | 65/2015, ss. 1(2), 219 | Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(2) | |
| S. 33 amended | 18/2023, ss. 1(4), 52 | 31 July 2023 | Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 389 of 2023), art. 3(i) |
| S. 34A inserted | 18/2023, ss. 1(4), 53 | 31 July 2023 | Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 389 of 2023), art. 3(i) |
| S. 35 substituted | 18/2023, ss. 1(4), 54 | 31 July 2023 | Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 389 of 2023), art. 3(i) |
| S. 35(2) trans. of functns. under | S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3 & sch. 1 | 29 July 2011 | S.I. No. 418 of 2011, art. 1(2) |
| S. 36 am. | 10/2011, ss. 1(2), 6 & 93 | 6 July 2011 | Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011 (Appointed Day) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 401 of 2011), art. 2 |
| S. 38 substituted | 18/2023, ss. 1(4), 55 | 31 July 2023 | Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 389 of 2023), art. 3(i) |
| S. 39 amended | 48/2024, ss. 1(2), 6, schedule 2, ref. 5 | Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(2) | |
| 18/2024, ss. 1(5), 231(a), (b) | Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(5) | ||
| 6/2018, ss. 1(2), 50(1) | 1 January 2019 | Domestic Violence Act 2018 (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 532 of 2018), art. 2 | |
| 32/2013, ss. 1(2), 4 | 11 January 2014 | Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (Sections 3 to 12) (Commencement) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 5 of 2014), art. 2 | |
| S. 39(I) amended | 24/2023, ss. 1(5), 69(a) | 2 September 2024 | Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (Commencement) Order 2024 (S.I. No. 378 of 2024), art. 3(c) |
| S. 39(m) inserted | 24/2023, ss. 1(5), 69(b) | 2 September 2024 | Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (Commencement) Order 2024 (S.I. No. 378 of 2024), art. 3(c) |
| S. 40 repealed | 48/2024, ss. 1(2), 5, schedule 1 | Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(2) | |
| S. 40 appl. | 24/2010, ss. 1(2), 145, 199 | 1 January 2011 | Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (Commencement) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 648 of 2010), art. 3 |
| S. 40(2) rep. | 32/2013, ss. 1(2), 2(2) | 11 January 2014 | Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (Section 2) (Commencement) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 334 of 2014), art. 2 |
| S. 40(3) am. | 14/2008, ss. 1(2), 31(a) | 1 August 2008 | Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (Commencement) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 274 of 2008), art. 3(2) |
| S. 40(3A) ins. | 32/2013, ss. 1(2), 5 | 11 January 2014 | Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (Sections 3 to 12) (Commencement) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 5 of 2014), art. 2 |
| S. 40(7A) inserted | 18/2023, ss. 1(4), 56 | 31 July 2023 | Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 389 of 2023), art. 3(i) |
| S. 40(11) subsec. ins. | 14/2008, ss. 1(2), 31(b) | 1 August 2008 | Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (Commencement) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 274 of 2008), art. 3(2) |
| S. 40A repealed | 48/2024, ss. 1(2), 5, schedule 1 | Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(2) | |
| S. 40A ins. | 32/2013, ss. 1(2), 6 | 11 January 2014 | Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (Sections 3 to 12) (Commencement) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 5 of 2014), art. 2 |
| S. 53A inserted | 22/2016, s. 1 | 28 December 2016 | Commenced on enactment |
SIs made under the Act
| Section | SIs made under the Act |
|---|---|
| S. 15 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Bodies Prescribed Under Section 15) Order 2005 (S.I. No. 168 of 2005) |
| Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Bodies Prescribed Under Section 15) (No. 2) Order 2005 (S.I. No. 336 of 2005) | |
| S. 17 | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Section 17) Order 2005 (S.I. No. 169 of 2005) |
| S. 40(3) | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Section 40(3)) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 337 of 2005) |
| S. 40(4) | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Section 40(4)) Order 2005 (S.I. No. 338 of 2005) |
| S. 40(6), (7) | Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Matters Prescribed Under Section 40) Order 2005 (S.I. No. 339 of 2005) |
| Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Bodies Prescribed Under Section 40) Order 2005 (S.I. No. 170 of 2005) |