Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Jury service exists to protect an individual's rights and to involve the public in the administration of justice. Jury service is one of the most important civic duties that a person can be asked to perform. While there are no expenses paid to jurors who are called for jury duty, lunch and refreshments are provided for those who ultimately serve on a jury.

Information for potential jurors on jury duty is posted with jury summonses and can also be found on the Courts Service website. This information includes an outline of the position regarding expenses and explains that employers must continue to pay an employee while engaged on jury duty. Self-employed persons can seek to be excused by the County Registrar.

A review is underway to examine reform measures for juries and any necessary legislative or administrative changes will be introduced following completion of this review. That being said, the Deputy will be aware that the introduction of any means of compensation to businesses in this context such as the introduction of tax credits or other forms of compensation would be a matter for wider Government consideration.