Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join Senator Naughton in very much welcoming the announcement by Zimmer of 250 jobs for Oranmore and Acorn Life's announcement yesterday of 100 jobs for Galway city. It is clear the Government's Action Plan for Jobs is working. I am anxious that IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland place greater emphasis on the regional spread of jobs. I come from Ballinasloe, which lost 1,000 industrial jobs in the past decade. I am not satisfied the State agencies are doing enough to attract a major employer to Ballinasloe, which is in the centre of Ireland and on the motorway. Will the Leader organise a discussion with the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, in the near future on the regional strategy proposed by the State agencies to see how we can ensure the type of regional balance required is achieved over the next two years as the Government plans to put in place initiatives to create 40,000 jobs?

Yesterday Mr. Justice Tony Hunt, speaking at the selection of a jury for what could potentially be a lengthy murder trial, stated he was conscious everyone involved would get paid except those tasked with the most important job, namely, the jurors. He stated the law does not allow him to offer them any recompense. I raised this issue in the Seanad last year following representations from a constituent who was called for jury service for three or four days. This person was unemployed and had to make an 80 mile round trip each day to serve on a jury. The person was not entitled to any out-of-pocket expenses for travel or parking. Those working in the public service and for some companies get paid if they serve on a jury-----