People are being forced to choose between serving on a jury and feeding their family, Sinn Féin has claimed. 

The party is calling for jurors’ expenses to be covered by taxpayers, similar to Northern Ireland where they can claim up to £129.91 a day for attending a trial. 

On Lunchtime Live, Sinn Féin justice spokesperson Matt Carthy said a “serious problem” has developed in the justice system and urgent reform is needed. 

“Our juries are predominately made up of people who are in a position to accept the request to participate in this public duty,” he said. 

“That means that the numbers who fall into that criteria are falling every year. 

“Because of the cost of living crisis that people are facing. 

“So, invariably, we end up with juries that are older, usually wealthier and often have jobs or employment - such as in the public service - where they can be released [to] jury and continue to get paid.” 

The Criminal Courts of Justice. Picture by: Alamy.com.

The Cavan Monaghan TD said research by the Law Society and the Bar Council of Ireland has found that many people simply decline to serve on a jury because of the costs involved. 

He suggested a system should be set up where “reasonable costs” are given. 

“My fear is, if we don’t address this issue, we’re going to have a serious crisis on our hands,” Deputy Carthy said. 

“Already, up until last year, 60% of those who are called to jury service ask to be excused and, in most cases, those requests are granted by the presiding judges. 

“That means we could have a situation in a very short timeframe, we could have difficulty in actually compiling juries.” 

The Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin. Picture by: Alamy.com.

He added that while researching this topic, he was most struck by the story of a man who asked to be released from jury service because he was so worried about his finances. 

“After the second day, he had to approach the judge and request to be relieved because it was costing him €30 a day,” he said. 

“So, not a huge sum in terms of the overall cost of the criminal justice system. 

“But he told the judge that if he was asked to serve another day, that his family would go without food at the weekend.” 

Deputy Carthy suggested that jurors should be given "small payments" for travel, food and any care costs that are incurred by their absence.

If you are currently employed and called to serve on a jury, your employer must continue to pay your wage while you serve. 

If you are self-employed and work alone, you may ask to be excused.

Main image: A barrister holding a wig. Picture by: PA Wire/PA Images.