§ Mr. G. Dawsonrose to call the attention of the House to the subject of Grand Jury Presentments in Ireland. The enormous levies of money by grand juries in Ireland had increased from year to year, until they had arrived to an extent which required the attention of parliament. From returns made to the House, it appeared that, in 1803, there was levied, under the Grand Jury laws in Ireland, no less than 470,106l. in one year. But what would the House say, when they were told that this ratio had been doubled since that period? The amount of presentments levied by grand juries in 1825, was 880,478l.; and in 1826, it was 814,731l. There were no funds so badly laid out, or worse accounted for. These assessments were like a land-tax; but more oppressive in their nature, more unjust in their collection, and more unsatisfactory in their expenditure, 1136 This money was not intrusted to persons responsible for its application; and the only qualification for a grand juryman in Ireland was, a freehold of 40s. a year. There was not one single part of the system that was not liable to the strongest objection, whilst the whole of the evils were augmented by the sheriffs of each county. In England, the duty of the sheriffs was solely confined to offences in which the public peace was concerned, whilst in Ireland, they appointed those who levied the taxes. This power, as might be supposed, was not always exercised in the most faithful manner. After stating a variety of instances of the evils arising out of the system, and pointing out the special objections to the present mode of proceeding, the hon. gentleman concluded by moving, "That a Select Committee be appointed to consider what provisions it may be expedient to establish for regulating Grand Jury Presentments in Ireland."
After a few words in support of the motion, from Mr. S. Rice, Mr. Goulburn, and Mr. V. Fitzgerald, it was agreed to, and a committee appointed.