FE-1 Contract Law

Question 1

What are the essential elements for the formation of a binding contract under Irish law?

Accepted Answer

Offer, acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, and certainty of terms

Answer

Offer, acceptance, and a written document

Answer

Consideration, capacity, and registration

Answer

An agreement witnessed by a solicitor

Question 2

In Irish contract law, what is the postal rule as established in Adams v Lindsell (1818)?

Accepted Answer

Acceptance of an offer sent by post takes effect when the letter is posted, not when it is received by the offeror

Answer

An offer posted to an offeree takes effect upon posting

Answer

A contract can only be formed by post if both parties agree in advance

Answer

The postal rule was abolished by the Electronic Commerce Act 2000

Question 3

What is the legal effect of a counter-offer in contract law?

Accepted Answer

A counter-offer terminates the original offer — it cannot be revived unless the original offeror makes a new offer

Answer

A counter-offer is a form of conditional acceptance that keeps the original offer alive

Answer

Counter-offers automatically create a binding contract on the original terms

Answer

A counter-offer must be in writing to be effective

Question 4

Under Irish law, what is the doctrine of promissory estoppel and its leading Irish authority?

Accepted Answer

Where a party makes a clear and unequivocal promise that the other party relies on to their detriment, equity may prevent the promisor from strictly enforcing their legal rights — Central London Property Trust v High Trees [1947] adopted in Ireland

Answer

Promissory estoppel creates new contract rights and is a replacement for consideration

Answer

The doctrine applies only where the promise was made in writing

Answer

Promissory estoppel cannot operate as a defence, only as a cause of action in Ireland

Question 5

What is misrepresentation in Irish contract law and what are its main categories?

Accepted Answer

A false statement of fact (not law or opinion) made by one party to another that induces the other to enter the contract — categories are fraudulent, negligent, and innocent

Answer

Any incorrect statement made during negotiations

Answer

A misrepresentation is only actionable if made in writing

Answer

Misrepresentation applies only to contracts for the sale of land

Question 6

What is the parol evidence rule in contract law and its main exceptions in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Extrinsic evidence cannot be used to add to, vary, or contradict the terms of a complete written contract — exceptions include collateral contracts, custom and trade usage, and partly written/partly oral contracts

Answer

All oral agreements made before a written contract can be enforced

Answer

The rule prevents any oral evidence being given in contract disputes

Answer

The parol evidence rule was abolished by the Consumer Rights Act 2022