Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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680. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he has plans to introduce a payment for loss of earnings, childcare and others costs for those undertaking jury service, as exists in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7803/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, 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 potential jurors are advised that more detailed information can 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 in jury duty. There are no plans to introduce payments along the lines referred to by the Deputy.

Section 9 of the Juries Act 1976 outlines that a County Registrar may excuse a person summoned from attendance if the person shows to the registrar’s satisfaction that there is good reason why he/she should be so excused. Self-employed persons, full time carers and persons with serious illnesses among others can seek to be excused by the County Registrar. The Courts Service website provides information on how to apply for an excusal.