James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Boylan for raising this very specific question on amending the Juries Act to allow for inquest jurors to be paid while they serve. I understand that the Senator is raising this point in the context of the Stardust inquests. The Stardust fire was a national tragedy that has left a particular legacy of pain for many families and communities. I again offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the 48 young people killed in that fire over 40 years ago.

As the Senator may be aware, there is no requirement for an inquest to have a jury. That decision is a matter for the independent coroner. Furthermore, there is no current statutory authority to prescribe fees or expenses to jurors for service at inquests when summoned to do so by a coroner. Most inquests are completed within a short period. The provisions of the Juries Act 1976 expressly do not apply to coroner inquests. Thus, the expenses provisions in section 29 of that Act do not apply. The Minister for Justice has received a letter from the legal firm representing many of the Stardust victims' families last week concerning matters to do with the inquest. My Department is currently considering this letter and the Minister is committed to ensuring that the new inquests into the Stardust deaths, and the families involved, are provided with all relevant supports.