Sir, – The completion of the Anglo Irish Bank/IL&P trial marks the end of the longest criminal trial in the history of the State, at 89 days heard over six months. The Ian Bailey civil case ended on March 30th, 2015, and this marked the end of the longest running civil case in the history of the State, after 63 days heard over almost 5 months.
The fact is that trials are getting longer. Another key date to note is April 15th, 2013, when the Law Reform Commission published its report on jury service. There are a number of recommendations in this report that will both ease and share the burden of jury service. While we wait for the publication of the Juries Act, nothing has changed to assist jury members in the execution of their civic duties. Jury members continue to suffer both personally and professionally while large sections of the community manage to evade this civic duty either based on their profession or the multitude of excuses that appear to be allowed. How much longer do we need to wait for the Government to act? – Yours, etc,
EAMONN ASPELL,
Templeogue, Dublin 6W.