asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that county council employees who are called for jury service are at the loss of pay for the duration of service; and if he will arrange that local authorities ensure that they are recouped accordingly.

I am not so aware. Under the Juries Act, 1976, there is provision whereby a person employed under a contract of service shall be regarded as so employed when absent on jury service. It is a matter for individual local authorities, as employers, to deal with absence on jury service in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Would the Minister issue a circular to the local authorities about this matter because I know of county council workers in my constituency of Wexford who have been called on three days running and have not been selected for jury service? Those people are eligible to be called again and have lost payment.

There should be no difficulty there because not alone does the Act lay it down but I have informed the local authorities by circular letter on two occasions this year that they should be paid and should be treated as if they were in employment. If the Deputy would care to give me the particulars I would be glad to take the matter up.

I will take it up.

It is a wonder the Deputy did not take it up before he brought it in here.

It is the Minister who is responsible.