Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if in view of the Government's efforts to eradicate discrimination, he has plans to remove the age bar or to give persons aged over 70 the option to put themselves forward for selection for Jury service if called to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14153/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 607: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps that will be taken to address the perceived discrimination that allows people over the age of 70 to give expert testimony in courts, yet they can not serve on juries; and his views on bringing in amending legislation to allow for older people to serve on juries. [14507/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 607 together.

Under the law as it stands, the Juries Act 1976 provides that every citizen aged 18 years or upwards and under the age of 70 years is qualified and liable to serve as a juror. Persons excusable from jury service as of right include those aged 65 years or upwards and under the age of 70 years. Prior to the Act of 1976 the upper age was 65 years.

I am currently considering the removal of the upper age limit for jury service. The changes I am considering would allow for persons aged over seventy years to be called for jury service but would retain the right of excusal for persons over the age of sixty-five who wish to avail of it.

I will of course have to consult with my Cabinet colleagues on the matter. I cannot pre-empt the outcome of such consultations but if Government approval were to be given to proceed with the amendment, the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006 could provide a mechanism by which to introduce it. That piece of legislation already makes a number of amendments to the Juries Act 1976 and is currently awaiting Committee Stage in Seanad Éireann.