Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 107: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if savings will be achieved through a measure in relation to the court service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27591/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to inform the Deputy that I have no plans, at this time, to reduce the number of persons required to form a jury. It is important to bear in mind that the current jury system is a fundamental part of our legal framework. There are advantages to retaining a larger jury as that formation can include a greater mix of jurors in terms of, for example, gender, ethnicity and experience. I do not believe that any reform of this nature should be undertaken solely based on cost considerations.

I have made enquiries and the Courts Service has informed me that expenditure on accommodation, meals and transport for jurors in the period from 2008 to 2011 was as follows:

Considerable savings have been achieved in this area since the new Criminal Courts of Justice Complex was opened in November 2009 as refreshments for juries are now provided on site.

In addition, as the Deputy may be aware, the Law Reform Commission is in the process of undertaking a detailed examination of jury service, although this particular matter does not form part of the current process, which includes qualification, eligibility, selection process and related matters. A consultation paper was published in 2010 and the Commission is currently engaged in extensive consultations with relevant parties with a view to finalising its report. I understand that the report including its recommendations is to be published in Autumn 2012 and I look forward to considering the matter when that is to hand.