Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2014
141. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide for the inclusion of deaf persons as members of coroners courts juries; if such an exclusion to date has made Ireland de facto in breach of the European disability law specifically in terms of social inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5756/14]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, in 2013 the Law Reform Commission published a report on jury service which includes an examination of the selection of individuals for jury service, including persons with hearing disabilities. The Report contains 56 recommendations covering a broad range of issues which are currently being considered in my Department.
While the Law Reform Commission report did not address coronial juries, it would clearly be desirable that, unless specific difficulties would arise, a common approach should be adopted across the range of situations where juries operate. In addition the Deputy will appreciate that it is outside the scope of my official functions to comment on the application of EU legislation in particular cases.
