Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 3

Written Answers. - Courts Service.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

65 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the new guidelines which have been issued to gardaí acting as jury keepers following allegations heard in a recent case at the Court of Criminal Appeal of heavy drinking and sexual misconduct involving gardaí and members of a jury; the procedures governing the provision of free alcohol to members of a jury sent to a hotel by a judge; if it is intended to review these procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28238/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that while no specific guidelines have issued to gardaí who act as jury keepers, the Garda Síochána – discipline – regulations deal with any matters relating to misconduct involving a member of the Garda Síochána employed as jury keeper. These regulations were effectively applied in the circumstances as described by the Deputy. I understand, however, that the Courts Service is examining the possibility of drawing up guidelines for jury keepers which will involve appropriate consultations with my Department and the Garda authorities.

Members of the Garda Síochána selected to perform duty as jury keepers are sworn in by the court registrar in the presence of the sitting trial judge and the jury where they give an undertaking to keep the jury. The procedures for providing accommodation and refreshments, which may or may not include alcohol, are a responsibility for the Courts Service.