The plain English version is designed to generate participation by the general public in the consultation process and to encourage debate on the issues raised in the consultation paper.

The Law Reform Commission said it is “eager to receive responses from all quarters, particularly from those who are involved in activities carried out by unincorporated clubs and associations”.

Richard Barrett, law reform commissioner, said: “There are over 17,000 unincorporated bodies functioning in Ireland, providing valuable community services in areas including sport, social services, emergency relief and cultural activities.

“Society benefits greatly from the contribution from members of organisations engaged in these activities, which is largely based on voluntarism.

“However, there are legal issues which can arise for members of these organisations, and for those dealing with them, which are not widely known, or appreciated; for example, the fact that individual members have potential liability for things that might go wrong, such as injury, or damage, to third parties.”

The plain English summary has achieved the NALA Plain English Mark, meaning that it meets international plain English standards. An Irish language summary of the consultation paper has also been published.

The Law Reform Commission seeks views on the consultation by Wednesday 15th March 2023.