Judges under pressure over failure to take pay cut

Ireland's judges are coming under pressure following revelations that just 19 of them have so far agreed to take a voluntary pay cut to help plug the massive deficit in the public finances.

The Government says it does not have the power to impose the public-sector pension levy on judges and has instead asked them to make a voluntary contribution.

However, it emerged over the weekend that just 19 of the 148 judges in the State have made such a contribution.

Health Minister Mary Harney and Defence Minister Willie O'Dea have both accused the judiciary of showing a poor example, while the chief executive of the Labour Relations Commission is quoted this morning saying he would expect the judges to show more moral leadership.

The Courts Service, however, says that, under arrangements provided by the Revenue Commissioners, it is open to judges to make a voluntary contribution by the end of the fiscal year.