Guides / Ireland

Small claims, WRC and RTB hearing preparation checklist (Ireland)

Small claims, Workplace Relations Commission hearings and RTB disputes in Ireland. Here is a practical way to organise your papers so you, the other side and the judge can find everything quickly.

The quick version

Keep every document in one binder, split into the sections below.
Write down every date and deadline the moment you get it.
Give each piece of evidence a reference and use it everywhere.
Number the pages and keep an up-to-date index at the front.

Get the ready-made Ireland binder on Etsy, or build a personalised sample online.

Dates and deadlines to track

Claim or complaint lodged
Response due
Hearing date letter received
Submissions and documents due
Witness summons requested
Hearing date

Always use the exact dates in your court or tribunal letters and orders.

How to section your binder

Section A: Case summary & issues

A brief overview of the case and the key issues in dispute.

What to file: Case reference numbers; Names of parties; Short summary of what the case is about; List of the main issues the court or tribunal is being asked to decide.

Section B: Claim, complaint & response

Documents setting out each party's case.

What to file: Small claims application and response; WRC complaint form and response; RTB dispute application and response.

Section C: Chronology

A timeline of key events relevant to the dispute.

What to file: Chronology table (date, event, party, evidence reference); Any updated versions of the chronology.

Section D: Notices, decisions & directions

Official letters, decisions and directions.

What to file: Hearing date letters; Adjudication reports or decisions; Directions from the court, WRC or RTB.

Section E: Evidence & submissions

Your written submission and the documents that support it.

What to file: Your written submission; Payslips, contracts and policies; Receipts, letters and emails; Photographs.

Section F: Witness statements

Written statements setting out evidence from witnesses.

What to file: Your own witness statement; Witness statements from others; Signed and dated final versions.

Section G: Correspondence

Communications relating to the dispute.

What to file: Letters and emails exchanged between parties; Correspondence with the court or tribunal.

Section H: Costs, fees & redress sought

Financial information relevant to the case.

What to file: Fees paid; Calculation of the amount claimed; Redress you are asking for.

Section I: Hearing notes

Preparation and notes for hearings or mediation.

What to file: Key points to raise; Questions for witnesses; Notes taken during hearings.

What this binder is for

Case Ready is a document organisation and preparation tool that helps you present your case materials clearly. This edition is designed with reference to small claims, Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) procedure in Ireland.

Organise documents logically
Keep materials in order
Prepare for hearings and deadlines

What this binder is not

Case Ready:

Does not provide legal advice
Does not tell you what arguments to make
Does not guarantee any outcome

If you need legal advice, speak to a solicitor, FLAC or Citizens Information.

Terms used in this binder

Claimant and respondent: the parties in a small claim.
Complainant and respondent: the parties at a WRC adjudication hearing.
Adjudication Officer: the WRC official who runs the hearing and issues the decision.
Applicant and respondent: the parties in an RTB dispute.

Key points in published guidance

Small claims of up to €2,000 are handled by the Small Claims Registrar at your local District Court office.
WRC: send your submissions and documents at least 15 working days before the hearing. If you have many documents, bring 4 paper copies, each with an index and numbered pages.
RTB tribunal: ask for a witness summons at least 7 calendar days before the hearing.
The dates in your own letters and directions always take priority.

Pagination & referencing

Many courts and tribunals expect documents to be paginated, indexed and clearly referenced. Where possible:

Number pages sequentially
Label documents consistently
Refer to evidence using clear references (for example "E1", "E2")

Chronology & evidence

Chronologies and evidence logs are commonly used to assist judges, tribunal panels and mediators. They help decision-makers understand:

What happened
When it happened
Where supporting documents can be found

Hearings & practicalities

On the day of your hearing:

Bring the copies you have been asked for
Keep this binder with you
Use it to find documents quickly

Judges, tribunal members and staff expect parties to be organised and to follow procedure.

Who this is for

Case Ready Ireland is suitable for organising papers for small claims, WRC hearings and RTB disputes. It is not designed for complex Circuit or High Court litigation without legal help.

Before your hearing

Documents are filed in the right sections
Pages are numbered in sequence
Evidence is labelled and easy to reference
The chronology is clear and up to date
Court orders and deadlines are recorded
Documents are in date order unless directed otherwise
Confidential material is kept separate
Copies are ready for the hearing
The binder is easy to navigate quickly

Save time with Case Ready

Case Ready is a printable, fillable case binder for Ireland: front sheet, dividers, key dates sheet, evidence index and more, with your case details on every page. Type into it on screen or print it at home.

See Case Ready on Etsy | Try the online builder

This binder is a general organisational aid. Procedure varies by court, tribunal and case type. You are responsible for following the rules, orders and directions that apply in your case. Nothing in this binder is legal advice.