Vol. 437 No. 2
62 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice the current arrangements, if any, for the reimbursement of necessary expenses incurred by persons serving on juries; and if she has any plans to provide for more reasonable arrangements for expenses for juriors.
Under the Juries Act, 1976, there is no provision for the payment out of State funds of 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 civic 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.
