Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)

Sinn Féin will not oppose the Bill but I believe the Government has missed an opportunity with the Bill to include the introduction of compensation for expenses in court by those who undertake jury duty. Deputy Carthy has raised this with the Minister on numerous occasions. The absence of such a payment impacts on people already struggling with the cost of living, as well as those with caring responsibilities and the self-employed. Self-employed people and full-time carers can be excused from jury service but this means these groups are under-represented on juries. Simply speaking, those who wish to serve as jurors should not be out of pocket. Low income jurors face barriers due to inadequate allowances and the time commitment required. Deputy Carthy tabled amendments to the Bill but they were ruled out of order for some reason. It is important that the Minister makes a commitment to revisit this to make sure jurors are not out of pocket in order that they can take part in the judicial system.

See this speech in context