Courts Service to notify gardaí of jury non-reporting

According to information released to the Irish Daily Mail through a Freedom of Information request, a total of 7,359 people failed to report for jury service after being summoned in 2015.

Recent legislation increased the fine for failing to appear from €50 to €500, but figures show there were no prosecutions in 2015.

The Courts Service confirmed to Irish Legal News that it was starting to pass on more information to An Garda Síochána.

A spokesperson said: “In recent times there has developed an unacceptable level of non-reporting for jury service. This civic duty is respected by the majority of those called upon to undertake same.

“Unfortunately of late an unacceptable number do not make themselves available. Expressions of regret at this situation have been made by members of the judiciary and the Courts Service.

“In terms of any changes which may be brought about regarding the basis of jury service or levels of punishment for evading same, this is primarily a policy and legislative matter for Government/Department of Justice.

“In terms of the administration of the process, the Courts Service has engaged in a process of making the administration of jury service summonses and notices more streamlined and centralised. We are now introducing a system of routinely passing on information to Gardai regarding those who fail to report for jury service.

“It will then be a matter for An Garda Siochana to initiate any prosecution.”