In a decision with significant implications for motor and employer’s liability insurers, the Supreme Court provided much-needed clarification on what constitutes the “use” of a motor vehicle under Irish law. The case—Urban and Rural Recycling Ltd & RSA Insurance Ireland DAC v Zurich Insurance plc [2024] IESC 43—examined the boundaries of Section 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, with the Court ultimately holding that an employer’s liability to an injured employee, arising from the operation of a stationary vehicle during the course of employment, falls within the scope of compulsory motor insurance.

The ruling followed a successful appeal by RSA Insurance, which had declined indemnity on the basis that its employer’s liability policy excluded claims covered under the Road Traffic Acts. The core legal question before the Court was whether such liability ought to have been covered under the company’s motor policy with Zurich.

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Case Background

Mr. Joseph Moore, an employee of Urban and Rural Recycling Ltd, suffered catastrophic injuries in 2013 when a bin fell and struck him on the head while he was operating a lifting mechanism on a recycling truck. The truck, parked at the side of a public road, was owned and operated by the company as part of its normal business.

The company held:

• A motor fleet policy with Zurich Insurance, and
• An employer’s liability policy with RSA, which excluded liability falling under the Road Traffic Acts.

Both insurers denied liability, prompting a legal dispute to determine who was obliged to indemnify the employer for the €4.75 million settlement agreed with the injured employee.

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Questions to be answered on Use of a Motor Vehicle Under Irish Insurance Law

The case turned on whether the employer’s liability fell within the scope of Section 56(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, which prohibits the use of a vehicle in a public place without motor insurance that covers liability for injury caused by its negligent use.

The Supreme Court was asked to determine:

1. Whether a body corporate can be a “user” of a vehicle under the Act;
2. Whether an employer can be a user through the actions of an employee acting in the course of their duties;
3. Whether the operation of equipment on a stationary vehicle constitutes “use” within the meaning of Section 56.

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Expanded Interpretation of ‘Use’ Under Irish and EU Law

 

Domestic Context (Road Traffic Act 1961)

Section 56(1)(a) of the RTA prohibits a person from using a vehicle in a public place unless they are insured against all sums they may be liable to pay as damages for injury caused by the negligent use of the vehicle.

Historically, “use” in Irish motor insurance law was often narrowly construed to mean driving or moving a vehicle. However, the Supreme Court has now confirmed that this view is no longer tenable, particularly in light of the European Motor Insurance Directives.

EU Law and Functional Approach to “Use”

In its judgment, the Court took a purposive approach, holding that the word “use” in this context is not limited to driving or road travel. Relying on the wording of the Directive 2009/103/EC and related EU case law, the Court reaffirmed that “use” includes any function consistent with the ordinary operation of the vehicle as a means of transport, including static functions such as loading.

This interpretation mirrors the Court of Justice of the European Union’s approach in several key cases, including Vnuk, Rodrigues de Andrade, and more recently Línea Directa Aseguradora SA v Segurcaixa (Case C-100/18), where a stationary vehicle that caught fire while parked in a private garage was deemed to be in “use” for the purpose of the Directive.

In Línea Directa, the CJEU held that a vehicle remains within the scope of compulsory insurance even when it is parked and not in motion, provided the vehicle is still being used in a manner consistent with its transport function. That principle was instrumental in shaping the Supreme Court’s reasoning.

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Case Summary: Línea Directa Aseguradora SA v Segurcaixa [2019] (C-100/18)

In Línea Directa, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) addressed whether damage caused by a fire in a stationary vehicle (parked in a private garage and not moved for over 24 hours) fell within the meaning of “use of vehicles” under Article 3 of Directive 2009/103/EC.

Facts

• A car caught fire due to an electrical fault in a private garage, causing property damage.
• The insurer of the car (Línea Directa) denied liability, arguing that the vehicle was stationary and not in use.
• The ECJ was asked whether such a situation was covered by compulsory motor insurance.

ECJ Ruling

The Court held that:

• “Use” of a vehicle includes being parked between journeys, as parking is a natural and necessary step in the operation of a vehicle as a means of transport.
• The vehicle’s stationary status did not exclude it from the Directive’s scope.
• Fire caused by a part of the vehicle (e.g., electrical system) is within the remit of “use” if the vehicle is being used in accordance with its function as a means of transport.

This ruling has been explicitly cited by the Irish Supreme Court as a key influence in broadening the understanding of “use” to include operational functions of a stationary vehicle, such as waste loading in Urban and Rural Recycling.

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Supreme Court Decision

The Supreme Court determined:

• The company was a user of the vehicle through the actions of its employee.
• There is no requirement in the legislation that “user” must refer to a natural person.
• Multiple users can exist simultaneously. A user (the employer) may be liable to another user (the employee) if their negligence causes injury.

The lift mechanism was part of the vehicle’s ordinary equipment and its operation formed part of the vehicle’s normal function in waste collection. On this basis, the Court concluded that the injury arose from the negligent “use” of the vehicle within the meaning of Section 56.

Since RSA’s employer’s liability policy specifically excluded Section 56 Liabilities, Zurich—as the motor insurer—was held responsible for providing indemnity.

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Legislative Criticism and Call for Clarity on Use of a Motor Vehicle Under Irish Insurance Law

In delivering the judgment, the Court also addressed broader concerns about the legal framework for compulsory motor insurance in Ireland. Section 56, it noted, was not designed with EU obligations in mind, and subsequent amendments have not sufficiently modernised it. The piecemeal development of this area of law, in the Court’s view, poses a real risk of non-compliance with European directives.

The Court issued a clear call for legislative reform, warning that if Irish law fails to align fully with the Directive, the State may ultimately be exposed to liability for compensating victims where insurers would otherwise be responsible.

“A complete and coherent legislative overhaul of the compulsory motor insurance obligation is long overdue.”
— Murray J.

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Practical Implications for Insurers

 

Motor Insurers

The decision confirms that motor policies must be prepared to respond to a broader range of risks than previously assumed. Claims involving injuries during the stationary use of a vehicle—especially involving operational equipment—may fall within compulsory insurance.

Employer’s Liability Insurers

Insurers with exclusions for liability falling under the Road Traffic Acts can now rely with greater confidence on the enforceability of those provisions in similar contexts.

Brokers and Claims Management

This case underlines the importance of clarity in policy drafting and risk allocation across multi-policy programmes. In sectors involving regular vehicle-based operations (e.g. waste management, construction, logistics), policyholder education and internal claims coordination will be essential.

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Conclusion

The Urban and Rural Recycling case marks a welcome and authoritative moment in the interpretation of use of a motor vehicle under Irish insurance law. By aligning more closely with evolving EU jurisprudence, it ensures greater protection for victims, clearer delineation of insurance liabilities, and sets the stage for overdue legislative reform.

Insurers, brokers, and corporate policyholders should act now to audit and align policy language, claims handling practices, and underwriting assumptions with this broadened scope of what it means to “use” a motor vehicle under Irish and EU law.

Lacey Solicitors is an all-island Insurance law firm and we regularly deliver training sessions to insurers on the evolving legal and procedural landscape of motor insurance in Ireland. These sessions are available both in person and online, tailored to claims teams, legal departments, or senior handlers.

If your team would benefit from a practical, up-to-date session on policy, please use the Contact Us section of our website to arrange a training session.

 

A significant reduction in the overall sum paid out for medical negligence claims  in Ireland has led to a drop of nearly €90 million in compensation paid by the State Claims Agency (SCA) in 2024. New data reveals that damages payments related to clinical care cases fell by more than €65.4 million, dropping to €210.5 million in 2024.

 

State Hospitals, the NHS and the private healthcare sector are all filled with exceptionally talented, caring professionals who dedicate their lives to providing us with invaluable care during our most vulnerable moments. These healthcare workers are often under intense pressure, balancing high caseloads and dealing with complex medical situations. Their commitment to patient care is unparalleled, and in many cases, they deliver outstanding results.  However, despite their best efforts, medical negligence can still occur. Often, factors outside an individual healthcare worker’s control, such as staffing shortages, limited funding, or overwhelming patient demand, can contribute to situations where medical care falls below the expected standard. When these unfortunate incidents happen, patients deserve to know their rights and have access to justice.

The Irish Times reports a Drop in pay-outs for medical negligence claims but what does this mean?

Total Compensation Payments in 2024

 

The total damages paid across all categories amounted to €286.9 million in 2024, a decrease of €89.9 million from the €376.8 million paid out in 2023. These figures, provided to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, highlight the importance of scrutinising the state’s financial outgoings, particularly in the area of medical negligence and other claims.

Medical Negligence Claims: A Major Drop in Pay-outs

 

The reduction in compensation for medical negligence claims is the most significant change in the 2024 data. Clinical negligence covers a wide range of cases where patients suffer due to substandard care. This includes:

• Surgical errors
• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Medication mistakes
• Birth injuries

The decline in pay-outs for medical negligence claims could have serious implications for victims seeking fair compensation for the harm they have suffered. If you or a loved one have been affected by medical negligence, consulting an experienced medical negligence solicitor firm like Lacey Solicitors Belfast and Dublin is essential for securing the compensation you deserve.

Other Claims with Increased Compensation Payments in 2024

 

While medical negligence claims saw a drop, other categories of claims saw notable increases, including:

1. Physical Hazards Exposure: Claims related to slips, trips, and falls rose by €4.6 million, totalling €21 million.
2. Behavioural Hazards Exposure: Claims involving violence, harassment, or abuse increased by €3.9 million, reaching €15.2 million in 2024.
3. Psychological Hazards Exposure: Cases involving wrongful death or psychological trauma rose by €3.6 million, totalling €28.3 million in pay-outs.
4. Crash/Collision Claims: Payments for collision claims involving state vehicles, such as Garda or HSE cars, increased by more than €2.2 million, amounting to €5.5 million.

 

Factors Behind the Fluctuating Medical Negligence Payments

 

The State Claims Agency points out that the mode of settlement in clinical negligence claims can vary. In some cases, pay-outs are made as a lump sum, while in others, interim payments are made over several years. This variability means that the payments in any given year do not necessarily reflect the total cost of a claim.

Several factors influence the movement in compensation amounts, including settlements in mass actions and one-off significant payments. The SCA has stated that the figures provided may not always reflect the conclusion of the claims within the year the payments were made.

Rising Liabilities for Clinical Negligence and Other Claims

 

Despite the drop in pay-outs, the outstanding liabilities for claims remain substantial. According to the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), the SCA paid a total of €574 million in settlements, awards, and expenses in 2023. By the end of 2023, the outstanding liability for claims was estimated at €5.185 billion, with the total amount expected to rise further. The full liability figures for 2024 will be published in the upcoming annual report.

What Does This Mean for Victims of Medical Negligence?

 

For those affected by clinical negligence, it is crucial to seek expert legal advice from a qualified medical negligence solicitor. At Lacey Solicitors, we specialise in handling medical negligence claims and can guide you through the process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you or a family member has been harmed due to medical errors, our team of experienced solicitors can help you take the necessary legal steps to seek justice and compensation. We offer free consultations, so you can get initial advice and don’t need to worry about the financial implications of pursuing your case.

Contact a Medical Negligence Solicitor at Lacey Solicitors Today

 

If you’ve been affected by medical negligence in Ireland, don’t delay in reaching out to a trusted medical negligence solicitor. At Lacey Solicitors, we are here to offer expert legal support and guide you through the process of claiming compensation for your injuries or suffering.  Read our Guide to Medical Negligence Claims in Northern Ireland and use our online form to contact us.

Learn More About Ruaidhri Austin, Partner at Lacey Solicitors

Ruaidhri Austin, Partner at Lacey Solicitors, is a highly regarded clinical negligence solicitor with a wealth of experience in handling complex claims. Ruaidhri has successfully represented numerous clients in high-profile medical malpractice cases.

To find out more about Ruaidhri’s expertise and the medical negligence cases he has worked on, visit his Partner Bio.

In a recent judgment delivered on 27th February 2025 in the case of Recorded Artists Actors Performers Ltd v. Phonographic Performance (Ireland) Ltd, Mr. Justice Twomey provided a compelling commentary on the inefficiencies and financial burden caused by Ireland’s outdated discovery rules. The case sheds light on a pressing issue that has been repeatedly identified in the Irish courts – the need for immediate reform in discovery practices.

Our office last month provided our analysis on the Discovery procedure in Ireland with reference to the ongoing Conor McGregor Saga.  This week, Justice Twomey’s observations echo the sentiments of Judge Hogan in the Court of Appeal decision in Tobin v. Minister for Defence, where he stated:

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“…this appeal serves to illustrate the crisis – and there really is no other word for it – now facing the courts regarding the extent of the burdens, costs, and delays imposed on litigants and the wider legal system by the discovery system as it presently operates.”

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This stark assessment captures the essence of the crisis facing the Irish legal system, with discovery rules that are not only outdated but are increasingly proving to be an obstruction to justice, placing heavy financial and procedural burdens on all parties involved.

The 19th-Century Legacy of Discovery Rules

 

Justice Twomey’s commentary draws attention to the continuing use of discovery rules based on the 1882 case Compagnie Financière et Commerciale du Pacifique v Peruvian Guano Co, which are, he says, ill-equipped to deal with the modern challenges posed by the explosion of electronic data. He echoed the findings of the Kelly Report of 2020 namely that these rules are “completely unsuited” to an era of digital information. Despite this clear mismatch, the Irish courts are still applying these antiquated rules, leaving litigants to navigate a discovery process described as a “monster.”

The Kelly Report recommended a straightforward solution: the introduction of a new draft order to replace the existing discovery rules. Yet, despite the passage of four years since the report’s publication, these reforms remain unimplemented.

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“All of this means that this Court, which is supposed to administer justice, has no choice but to apply 19^th century discovery rules that ‘obstruct’ justice.”

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Financial Burden and the “Monster” of Discovery

 

Twomey brought the financial impact of the discovery process into sharp focus. The defendant in this case was required to search an astonishing 1.78 million documents for the purpose of discovery, which was eventually narrowed down to 81,378 potentially relevant documents. With six reviewers working at a rate of 400 documents per day, the process would take more than seven weeks. Twomey estimates that if it were just one lawyer tasked with reviewing the documents, it would take nearly an entire year of full-time work.

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“This means that a person who is unlucky enough to be involved in litigation in the High Court could end up having to pay for one lawyer to work full time doing nothing else for a year for the purposes of just one aspect of the litigation, i.e. discovery.”

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Justice Twomey highlighted that the cost of having one lawyer review these documents could reach €250,000, based on an estimated hourly rate of €150. If both the plaintiff and defendant had similar discovery costs, the total could climb to €500,000 for discovery alone. These figures highlight the enormous financial burden that the discovery process places on litigants, particularly in complex cases such as commercial disputes or insurance claims, where large volumes of documents are common.

The Tobin case further quantified the financial burden, showing that discovery alone can account for up to 50% of the total costs of litigation in some cases.

The Crisis of Discovery in the Legal System

 

The legal profession represented on the Review Group in the Kelly report unanimously recommended ‘the abolition of discovery as it is now known.’

The costs associated with discovery often represent a substantial portion of total litigation expenses, and in complex cases, these costs can spiral out of control, deterring parties from seeking legal redress altogether.

The failure to modernise the discovery process is a missed opportunity to create a more efficient and equitable justice system.  The current rules contribute to delays and cost overruns that undermine confidence in the legal system.

The Call for Discovery Reform

 

The Kelly Report made it clear that the Irish legal system requires an urgent overhaul of discovery rules. The proposed reforms were designed to be both practical and cost-effective, but they remain stalled, leaving the courts to continue applying a system that has been criticised for decades.

Twomey highlights that whilst the courts have no role in changing these 19^th century rules (as this is the job of the Oireachtas), it is however the role of the courts to try to improve the system for litigants wherever possible.

The Supreme Court in Tobin argued that the advantages of discovery still largely outweigh its disadvantages but the Kelly Report Review Group took a radically different view. They concluded that discovery, as it currently operates, represents a real and pressing threat to the administration of justice. The Review Group argued that it is no longer just an inefficient process but one that has grown into a “monster,” necessitating far-reaching reform to prevent further obstruction of justice.

As Justice Twomey observed, the failure to act on the Kelly Report’s recommendations is frustrating, particularly given the mounting financial and procedural costs caused by the current system. The Review Group’s call for discovery reform is not merely a suggestion for incremental change but a call for a radical overhaul of how discovery is conducted in Irish courts, recognising the significant barriers it now presents to justice.

For over 20 years, Irish courts have recognised the need for change. From Sheehy v. Government of Ireland (2002) to Thema International Fund v. HSBC (2011), various judgments have highlighted how the discovery process has become more of a hindrance than a help in delivering justice.

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‘Rather than assisting the administration of justice [the discovery process] had over the years become a potential source of injustice itself’

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Conclusions on Irish Discovery Reform

 

Justice Twomey’s commentary once again highlights the urgent need for discovery reform in Irish courts. The decision draws attention to the financial burdens imposed by the outdated rules, which were designed in a different era and no longer serve the needs of modern litigation.

The current discovery system in Ireland is not only inefficient but also detrimental to the financial well-being of those involved in litigation. The failure to implement the reforms suggested in the Kelly Report represents a missed opportunity to streamline the discovery process, reduce legal costs, and improve access to justice.

It remains for the Oireachtas to act, ensuring that the discovery process evolves in line with modern legal and technological realities. Without this change, the “monster” of discovery will continue to obstruct justice and drive up costs for all parties involved.