I hope that in this legislation we have done something which will contribute to the more effective and more expeditious and fairer administration of justice.
Juries Bill 1975 (Seanad): Fifth Stage.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
, Cavan): I thank the House for its co-operation in giving me the remaining Stages today. I am satisfied the Bill makes a big improvement on the existing procedure for trial by jury. I am personally convinced that the jury system by and large has stood the test of time and that it is the best method of trying cases, particularly criminal ones. The Bill updates the Act of 1927 and subsequent amending legislation.
There are many improvements which will be in ease of jurors. It will mean that jurors will not be called on nearly as often as they were and there is provision under which jurors must be given 14 days' notice. Under existing law only four days were required. Furthermore, county registrars will have the right to excuse a juror and that is a very big advantage. As the Minister for Justice said when introducing the Bill, it was overdue. Its provisions are in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure.
We should be gracious enough to pay a tribute to the two ladies——
(Cavan): I leave that to the Deputy.
——who, alone and unaided and out of their own resources, challenged the whole legal process and perhaps brought about the introduction of this legislation sooner and more expeditiously than it might otherwise have been done.
Question put and agreed to.