---

Look again at compensating jurors – SF TD

Sinn Féin’s justice spokesman Matt Carthy has called on the Minister for Justice to “look again” at the issue of compensating people for costs incurred during jury service. 

He was speaking after Minister Jim O’Callaghan, in a reply to a parliamentary question, said that there were no plans to introduce such payments. 

In a statement, Deputy Carthy said that the current system, where there was no compensation for financial costs, was having an impact on how representative juries were. 

It was also putting those who were already struggling with the cost of living under further pressure, he added. 

‘Out of pocket’ 

In his reply, Minister O’Callaghan pointed out that the self-employed, full-time carers, and people with serious illnesses were among those who could be excused from jury service. 

The Sinn Féin TD said that that was “not good enough”, as these groups were then under-represented on juries. 

“Those who wish to serve should have that option and those on low incomes should not be out of pocket for carrying out their civic duties,” he added. 

“It is 12 years since the Law Reform Commission called for the introduction of a modest flat-rate daily payment to cover the cost of transport and other incidentals involved in Jury service, something which is also supported by the Law Society,” Deputy Carthy stated. 

A report by the Bar of Ireland published last year, however, warned that a flat fee “risks monetising jury service, potentially altering jurors’ attitudes”.