Theresa Ahearn
Question:312 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, he has to enable deaf people to sit on juries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17962/97]
Written Answers. - Jury Empanelling.
The empanelling and selection of jurors is a matter for the courts in accordance with the provisions of the Juries Act, 1976. That Act provides that certain persons, including persons with deafness, are ineligible for jury service.
The Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities recommended in their report of 18 November 1996, inter alia, that those provisions of the 1976 Act which deal with persons with disabilities, including deafness should be repealed. I am arranging to consult with the Judiciary and the legal profession regarding this recommendation but I cannot say at this stage if I will bring forward proposals to amend the Juries Act, 1976.