Briefing Note for Insurers

Ireland’s litigation and claims environment is entering one of its most significant periods of change in over a decade, with major implications for insurers operating across the market.

A combination of legislative reform, evolving litigation funding structures and increasingly active judicial case management is reshaping how disputes are managed, valued and resolved. Across areas including construction, medical negligence, personal injury, defamation, ESG-related disputes and third-party funding, Irish courts are demonstrating a growing intolerance for delay, inefficiency and tactical litigation conduct.

For insurers, this changing environment places greater emphasis on early procedural engagement, tighter reserving discipline and more considered policy drafting.

At the centre of this shift is the proposed Civil Reform Bill 2025, which signals a decisive move toward more structured and actively managed litigation, with a focus on proportionality and early issue definition. Although the legislation is unlikely to take effect before late 2026 or 2027, its influence is already beginning to shape litigation culture and judicial commentary across Ireland.

In this briefing, Whitney Moore examines the six key developments expected to define Ireland’s litigation and claims landscape for insurers throughout the remainder of 2026.