New online service rolled out for potential jurors in Limerick
A NEW online platform has been launched to assist potential jurors from across Limerick who receive Jury Summons.
The new service, which is being rolled out by the Courts Service, will give those who receive a summons the option to reply online, check the status of their reply and access helpful information.
Following a recent pilot scheme in Kilkenny, Mayo, Tipperary, and Waterford, it is now being made available to potential jurors in Limerick from this week.
Thousands of Jury Summons are issued in Limerick every year as dozens of trials are heard before Limerick Circuit Court and, occasionally, the Central Criminal Court.
Commenting on the expansion of the new platform, Courts Service CEO Angela Denning said: “To-date, within the four pilot counties, approximately 30% of people who responded to their Jury Summons did so using the new, online platform. This is higher than other systems internationally, and very high for a pilot scheme. Encouragingly, feedback received from those who used the new platform has been positive”.
Ms Denning added: “Providing user-friendly options for people to engage with our services is at the heart of the Courts Service Modernisation Programme. Our Modernisation programme aims to realise our Strategic Vision 2030 to support access to justice in a modern, digital Ireland”.
The platform, which is free to access by scanning a QR code, will allow for 24/7 access to those who have received a summons, providing immediate updates on any changes in times, dates or jury cancellations, and immediate electronic responses to requests for excusals by people.
This new digital platform, which is not mandatory to use, reduces the reliance on paper-based processes, and many outdated tech platforms, offering an improved customer service that is inclusive and provides for digital first solutions.
The new platform, which will no change how potential jurors are selected, has the potential to reduce the time of opening and handling of letters, and work hours dedicated to answering phone-calls freeing up staff for other front office, customer service and court duties.