Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
505. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if jurors for the Stardust Inquest will be entitled to be paid as they are in criminal cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3452/22]
View answer508. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice if he will address the issue in relation to jury pay with regard to the inquest into the Stardust disaster; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3473/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 508 together.
The Stardust fire was a national tragedy that has left a particular legacy of pain for many people in North Dublin.
I offer my deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the 48 young people killed in the Stardust fire over forty years ago.
I also recognise the impact on everyone who attended that night and the impact on the local community and I am committed to ensuring that the new inquests into the Stardust deaths and the families involved are provided with all relevant supports.
Most inquests are completed within a short period; however, I appreciate that this is likely to be a very lengthy inquest.
Section 57 of the Coroners Acts 1962-2020 provides for the Minister to prescribe fees accordingly;
57.—The following fees and expenses shall be prescribed, after consultation with the Minister for Local Government, namely—
(a) the fees payable to persons performing, or assisting at, post-mortem and special examinations,
(b) the expenses payable to witnesses at inquests, and
(c) the expenses payable in connection with removal or custody, in accordance with the direction of a coroner, of a body
Therefore, there is, currently, no statutory authority to prescribe fees to jurors for service at inquests when summoned to do so by a coroner.
I have received a letter from the legal firm representing most of the Stardust victims’ families last week, regarding jury selection and payment of jurors. This letter is currently being considered by my Department and a response will issue in due course.
My Department continues to engage with the coroner and her team and the coroner will provide any updates on the stardust fire inquests website at: www.stardustfireinquests.
