Civil summons in Ireland

Rules

The civil summons must contain the following information:

• A description of the parties. The summons must state the surname, first name, the residence or place of business and the occupation of the Plaintiff and the Defendant
• A statement of the claim. The summons must clearly and concisely set out the allegations that are being made by the Plaintiff. It should clearly indicate to the Defendant that he or she has a case to answer.
• The summons will either state the specific amount to which the Plaintiff claims he or she is entitled (which cannot be more than 6,348.69 euro) or it must state that the Plaintiff's claim is limited to the jurisdiction of the court. The Plaintiff cannot seek more than 6,348.69 euro from the District Court.
• The summons must recite the appropriate District Court area in which the claim is being brought.
• The summons will specify the place, date and time of sitting of the court hearing.
• The summons must set out that if the Defendant pays the amount claimed and costs within 10 days of service of the summons, then the proceedings will not be continued.
• The summons must contain two detachable Notice of Intention to Defend and it must explain what steps the Defendant must take if he or she wishes to dispute the claim.
• The summons must be dated and signed by the Plaintiff or his/her solicitor.