asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider amending the relevant regulations to allow meal expenses or provide luncheon facilities for jurors when in deliberation on civil cases; and if he will approve reimbursement for meals purchased by the jurors at the High Court session in Dundalk between 15 and 18 March 1982.

I have no proposals in mind for an amendment of the Juries Act, 1976 and it is not open to me under the law as it stands to do what the Deputy suggests. I would be prepared to consider the matter in the context of any future amendment to the Act.