Changes To The Duty Of Care Owed By Occupiers

The Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 ('2023 Act') was signed into law by the President on 5 July 2023. It contains amendments to the Occupiers' Liability Act 1995 ('1995 Act'), which modifies the duty of care owed by occupiers in respect of dangers existing on their premises.

The new measures have been described by the government as striking a reasonable balance between the responsibilities of the owner and/or operator of a premises and what individuals themselves must do when entering the premises. The express intention of these changes is to reduce the volume of claims and lower insurance costs.

In this article, we look at some of the key changes introduced by the new legislation.