Vol. 411 No. 4
53 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice if he has any plans to properly compensate members of juries who lose substantially in relation to wages, travelling expenses and subsistence when attending jury trials; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
155 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the payment which is made to people who are called for jury service; his views on whether the present system is most unsatisfactory and that they should be compensated for loss of earnings and travelling expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 155 together.
Under the Juries Act, 1976, there is no provision for the payment out of State funds for expenses to jurors. When the Act was introduced consideration was given to the matter of expenses but it was decided that expenses should not be paid as performance of jury service is a basic civil duty which arises relatively infrequently as far as the individual is concerned. Section 29 of the Act does, however, make provision for employees to be paid by their employers when engaged on jury service.
In cases where the question of hardship might be likely to arise it is open to persons concerned to apply to the County Registrar, under section 9 of the Act, for excusal from service.
There are no proposals to amend this Act at present.
