Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leader for arranging the debate next week with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, on the Action Plan for Jobs. It is only right that in 2014, the Government places a major emphasis on job creation, the promotion of entrepreneurship and additional manufacturing.

I wish raise an issue a constituent raised with me this week and ask the Leader to arrange a discussion with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, on the operation of the jury system and how it impacts on people. I was contacted by a constituent who lives in Ballinasloe but who was called to the courthouse in Galway three times this week to be considered for jury duty. That involved a round trip of 80 miles three times this week. This person works part-time and her husband is on a two-day week. There is absolutely no consideration of out-of-pocket expenses in respect of travelling for jury service, or to be considered for jury service. That is wrong in this day and age, in particular when people face serious financial difficulties, and it needs to be reviewed. Will the Leader take this up with the Minister? The person in question was most anxious to do her civic duty and would certainly look forward to participating on a jury but she felt aggrieved that she would be significantly out of pocket and was not entitled to any reimbursement in respect of her participation in, or consideration for selection for, jury duty.