asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the present system of summoning juries for High Court actions in Cork City has resulted in undue hardship upon persons so summoned; if it is intended to extend the existing jury panel to a larger area so as to minimise such hardship during the next sitting of the High Court in Cork and thereafter; and if he will state the means by which it is intended to extend the area for jury service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - High Court Juries in Cork.
11.
A number of questions of an involved nature have arisen in connection with the examination of the draft Bill to amend the Juries Acts so as to enable the burden of jury service to be eased in a number of areas including Cork city. It will accordingly be some time yet before I am able to introduce the Bill.
Could the Minister tell the House when it is likely the Juries Bill will come before the Dáil?
I have just said: "It will accordingly be some time yet before I am able to introduce the Bill".
Could the Minister be more specific than saying "some time yet"?
As early as possible. That is the best I can say.
Is that more specific than "some time yet"? Could the Minister in any way indicate whether this will take months or years?
If I said years I would be fairly safe. I would not like to say years.
Could the Minister tell the House how long this Bill has been on the stocks?
There are certain legal difficulties that have arisen in its examination. I can assure the Deputy that, as far as I am concerned, I shall do my best to see——
That it is treated as a matter of urgency?
Exactly.
May we take it that in framing this legislation the Minister will give due consideration to the pressing need for the provision of reimbursement for loss of wages and salaries of the people serving——
That is a separate question.
In framing and considering the legislation, I trust the Minister will have due regard to that aspect of the question.