§ MR. M. BROOKSasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether, prior to the expiration in 1880 of "The Jurors' Qualification (Ireland) Act, 1876" (a temporary Act), it is the intention of the Government, having regard to the unsatisfactory state of the Jury Laws in Ireland, to bring in a Bill to amend the same in accordance with the suggestions made in memorials presented to the Chief Secretary for Ireland on behalf of the Jurors of Dublin and Waterford; and, whether any provision will be made in the Estimates for providing a waiting room, and otherwise improving the defective condition of the jury accommodation in the Four Courts, Dublin?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERSir, it will be necessary to introduce a Bill for the purpose of continuing the Act which the hon. Member refers to; but I should not like to hold out any expectation that the suggestions made in the Memorials presented by the jurors of Dublin and Waterford will be embodied in it. They are of such a comprehensive character involving, for instance, a reduction in some cases of the number of jurors, and other important questions of principle, which could not well be included in a Continuance Bill; and, consequently, I see no prospect of dealing with them. With reference to the defective jury 1401 accommodation in the Four Courts at Dublin, the Lord Chancellor informs me that in consequence of the consolidation and abolition of offices through the operation of the Judicature Act, a re-arrangement is in contemplation which it is hoped will give better accommodation in future to jurors.