Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 292: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his view of recent decisions by the High Court in the case of persons (details supplied) both deaf who wished to serve on juries when summoned to do so; and his plans to end the discrimination against deaf persons willing to do jury service. [10596/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Section 64 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 introduced an amendment to the First Schedule of the Juries Act 1976 which places the emphasis on a person's capacity to perform the duties of jury service and does not automatically exclude any person because of an infirmity. My Department is considering, in consultation with the Attorney General, the High Court judgment in the Clarke case.

In addition, as the Deputy may be aware, the Law Reform Commission is considering Jury Service as part of its Third Programme of Law Reform 2008 - 2014 . The Commission engaged in a public consultation last year and I look forward to the publication of their final report and recommendations which I understand is likely to be completed in the latter half of this year.