Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1215. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice her views on providing travel expenses for jury service to ensure that those living in rural areas have equal access to serving on juries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14341/21]
View answer1216. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice her views on allowing non-Irish citizens living in Ireland participate in jury service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14342/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1215 and 1216 together.
Jury service exists to protect an individual's rights and to involve the public in the administration of justice. Jury service is one of the most important civic duties that a person can be asked to perform. While there are no expenses paid to jurors who are called for jury duty, lunch and refreshments are provided for those who ultimately serve on a jury. Information for potential jurors on jury duty is posted with jury summonses and can also be found on the Courts Service website. This information includes an outline of the position regarding expenses and explains that employers must continue to pay an employee while engaged on jury duty. Self-employed persons can seek to be excused by the County Registrar.
My Department's Statement of Strategy has, as one of 5 priorities, the modernisation of the courts system. I would intend that, in due course, the overall operation of the jury system will be reviewed in that context, and any necessary reforms will be addressed in primary legislation, including as appropriate the specific points raised by the Deputy.
