Gormley: Top earners' pay-cut expenses wearing thin

Top earners in the public sector were tonight warned about hiding behind legal loopholes to avoid pay cuts.

Green Party leader John Gormley claimed excuses are wearing thin as the judiciary faced further severe criticism over revelations only 19 of 148 judges have voluntarily agreed to a drop in wages.

Earlier, Taoiseach Brian Cowen insisted salary cuts were solely a matter for judges but signalled he expected more of them to offer reductions as the year goes on.

“I understand that the judiciary have until Christmas to look at this matter and to pull their weight as well and obviously we would like to see that happening,” Mr Gormley said.

“They do have a leadership role in society, but I think it’s very important there is consistency across all boards.

“What’s being said at the moment is that there is no legal obligation. Well this excuse has been used as well, most recently as you know in terms of the indemnity deal.”

The Green leader also noted it was used by ex-ministers still serving as TDs who receive pensions on top of salaries.

And he added: “I think the legality is wearing a bit thin at this time from across all sectors, and I’m not singling out the judiciary.

“I’m saying that, in terms of political leadership in Dáil Éireann, church leadership, across all there is a moral responsibility on all of us now to pull our weight.”

Earlier, Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said it was only right and fair that the highest paid in society lead by example but added judges had until the end of the year.

The government has no power to force a pay cut on judges. After the public sector pension levy was unveiled by the Government a special initiative was created by Chief Justice John L Murray and the Revenue Commissioners to allow for a wage cut.

Under the arrangements payments from judges could be made monthly, quarterly or at the end of the year.

The Courts Service said judges who do not made any payments have until the end of the year to act.

Mr Gormley all but ruled out holding a referendum on the issue and called for time for judges to act.

“They have until the New Year to make their decisions,” he said.

“I hope we won’t require such a major step as changing the constitution. So we will await their decision and I hope their decision is in line with what the public wants.

“They have a lot of practice in making very deliberative decisions and I think this is a very important decision for them and I hope they make the choice.”