CAROLINE HURLEY,
Sir, - I duly presented myself, as instructed, for jury service this week only to be advised by the presiding judge that no cases could be heard due to a shortage of judges. So we were promptly dismissed.
The roll-call revealed that almost 100 individuals had sacrificed a working morning to no avail. Furthermore, a dozen or so barristers and their solicitors attended expectantly, along with a handful of gardaí and other court workers. Prolonging the wait for those facing trial further makes a joke of justice.
I would like to reiterate Mr Justice Kearney's concern at this deplorable and very expensive situation whereby hearings are postponed for perhaps another 18 months. That so many people were scheduled to attend a non-event, and that this is happening more and more frequently, indicates serious organisational malfunctioning.
There is certainly evidence beyond reasonable doubt to rule for the appointment of a sufficient number of additional judges to implement the law in an efficient and timely manner, before public confidence in the judicial system understandably collapses. - Yours, etc.,
CAROLINE HURLEY,
Bremore,
Co Dublin.