Jury Service in Ireland

Information

Most Irish citizens, living in Ireland, from the age of 18 are eligible for jury service. (Since 1 January 2009 there is no upper age limit.) There are some exceptions.

Most non-minor criminal offences require a trial by a judge and jury. Some civil cases, for example, defamation, require a jury trial.

Jurors are contacted by summons of the County Registrar, which will state that you are obliged to attend for jury service on a particular date.

In functions and duties of a jury, you will find detailed information about jury service.

In how a jury trial is conducted you will find information on how the case will be run.

Anyone living in Ireland who is not an Irish citizen, is not entitled to serve on a jury in Ireland.

Rules

You must reply to the jury summons by using the form and pre-paid envelope provided. If you come within the categories of persons excusable from jury service as of right, you must state that fact on the form provided.

If you wish to be excused for another reason (such as illness), you must state that reason and the County Registrar will make a decision as to whether or not you may be excused.

Rates

There is no payment for jury service. Travelling expenses are not allowed. If you are actually serving as a juror, lunch will be provided on the day or days that the trial is at hearing.

If you are self-employed and work alone and where your attendance at jury service may mean you cannot earn a living, you may qualify for excusal from jury service. Contact the jury office of the Court for more information.

If you are in employment, the Juries Act 1976 (Section 29) places a duty on your employer to allow you attend for jury service. It is further specified in the law that time spent on jury service is to be treated as if the employee were actually employed. In other words, if you are in employment and are attending for jury service, you are entitled to be paid while you are away from work. Anyone with a contract of employment (i.e., temporary workers, contract workers, etc.) is entitled to be paid by their employer while they are on jury service. There should also be no loss of any other employment rights while you serve on a jury. The Jury office will provide a certificate of attendance on request.

If you feel your employment rights have been infringed or you have lost employment rights while serving on a jury, you can make a complaint to Rights Commissioner. Read more about Employment Appeals here.