Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 2

Written Answers. - Jury Members.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

66 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps, if any, being taken to improve security arrangements for jury members in view of the concerns expressed by members of a jury during the recent murder trial in which a person (details supplied) was convicted of a murder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11535/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

I am, of course, concerned to hear of any apparent attempts to threaten or intimidate members of a jury.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are standard security arrangements in place for jury members in all cases. From time to time additional security measures are taken following an assessment of the case, taking into account the degree of crime and parties involved.

In addition, the Criminal Justice (No. 2) Bill, 1997, following an amendment which I brought forward, now contains a provision which makes it a serious offence for a person to harm, threaten, menace or in any other way intimidate or put in fear a person who is a juror or potential juror, or a member of his or her family, with the intention of causing the course of justice to be obstructed, perverted or interfered with. This offence will be punishable by imprisonment for up to ten years, and I believe that it will provide valuable additional protection and reassurance for jurors.

The Deputy will also be aware that, if the Director of Public Prosecutions considers that the circumstances so warrant, he may issue a certificate under the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, to enable the case in question to be tried before the Special Criminal Court.