Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023

Insertion of section 5A into Act of 1995

42. The Act of 1995 is amended by the insertion of the following section after section 5:

“Voluntary assumption of risk

5A. (1) The common duty of care under section 3 shall not impose on an occupier any obligation to a visitor in respect of risks willingly accepted by the visitor where that visitor is capable of comprehending the nature and extent of those risks.

(2) An occupier shall not owe any duty pursuant to section 4(4) to a recreational user of the premises in respect of risks willingly accepted by the recreational user where the recreational user is capable of comprehending the nature and extent of those risks.

(3) A determination under subsection (1) or (2) that a visitor or recreational user has willingly accepted a risk may be based on the words or conduct of the visitor or recreational user without a requirement for evidence of communication or interaction with the occupier of the premises in question.

(4) Section 34 (1)(b) of the Civil Liability Act 1961 shall not apply in relation to the making of a determination under subsection (1) or (2) that a visitor or recreational user has willingly accepted a risk.”.