§ MR. T. W RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Whether he is aware of the hardship attendant upon the summoning of ordinary jurors to serve at the Assizes in Ireland; and, if it is the intention of the Government to take any steps by which men who are totally unable to meet the expenses involved in continuous attendance at said Assizes shall be reimbursed their actual expenditure?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University)I have long been aware of the hardship which jurors of small means are subjected to by attending Assizes at a distance from their homes. It is, however, a necessary consequence of our jury system that individuals in the discharge of their duty are often obliged to suffer serious inconvenience. It would be hardly possible to re-imburse them for their actual expenditure without violating some of the principles on which the jury system rests. The subject is a difficult one, and I am afraid I cannot promise anything; but I will consult my Colleagues on the matter.