asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the hardship incurred by jurors from all parts of Kerry, and particularly 51 miles from Killarney where the Circuit Court is now held, as they have to spend two or three days away from home without any remuneration; and if he will have provisions made for payment of these jurors.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Kerry Jurors.
45.
The holding of Circuit Court sittings in Killarney instead of in the traditional county centre, Tralee, is due to the failure of the local authority to provide proper court accommodation in Tralee as requested by me and by my predecessors over a number of years.
Legislation is being prepared in relation to various aspects of the jury system which include the question of remuneration and it is hoped to introduce it later in the year.
Does the Minister not concede that this is one service for which there should be central responsibility? Why should the Minister for Justice hold the county council responsible for providing alternative accommodation for courts?
Not alternative accommodation. The local authority was always responsible, as far as my experience goes, for the maintaining of courthouses throughout the country and the provision of courthouses.
Is the Minister satisfied that this position should be maintained? Does he not agree it is time it should be the responsibility of the Department of Justice?
In the legislation that is coming in this is one of the matters that is being dealt with.
Is the Minister aware that the Kerry County Council were prepared to provide extra accommodation in Tralee and submitted proposals a long time ago, but the Minister's Department insisted that they should also provide accommodation for the county registrar in the same building, although he has a very good office in the old courthouse?
That is a separate question and I have no information about it. I do know the council was requested by my predecessor to do something about Tralee courthouse and they did nothing about it.
The Kerry County Council has submitted proposals.
The Kerry County Council failed to provide the courthouse at Tralee as laid down by law. They cannot complain if they have to go to the other place now.
(Cavan): Irrespective of the Minister's legislative proposals, does he agree it would be a more satisfactory arrangement if the central authority would accept responsibility for the provision of courthouses?
I agree it would be more satisfactory for everybody, if the central authority had some Santa Claus from whom they could get money for every individual purpose and do away with local rates.
(Interruptions.)
(Cavan): I take it——
The question relates to County Kerry. We cannot discuss the whole country.
(Cavan): I know, but arising out of the Minister's reply, I take it he agrees the present rating system is out of date, outmoded and should be revised?