More than €500k paid in mileage claims to judges

MORE than €500,000 was paid in mileage claims last year to district and circuit court judges to travel from home to court hearings.

The Department of Justice confirmed proposals to cut pay for the judiciary will not affect the expense entitlements, which include up to €9,000 a year to provide libraries in their homes and a €36 a night “sitting room allowance” in case they need to “work in accommodation after court”.

Figures provided to the Dáil show at least four judges made mileage claims in excess of €30,000, with the highest reaching €37,000 last year.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter said 17 district court judges and 13 circuit court judges travel more than 20km from their homes for work.

He defended the claims, saying: “Court districts and circuits have more than one court venue and judges are required to travel between venues.”

Despite calls last year from the Public Accounts Committee to change the “Victorian” expense regime, the department confirmed there are no plans to do so.

Updated details of entitlements show judges are entitled to €575 for a frock coat with tail; €389 for a gown; and €165 for a vest or waistcoat. These claims can be made every two years while the taxpayer foots the once-off €2,195 bill for a judge’s wig.

A total of €10,140 was paid out in claims for “attire” for judges last year, Mr Shatter said in an answer to a Dáil question from Fine Gael TD Derek Keating.