Hi °C | Lo °C THE cost of clothing, transport and other expenses for judges has decreased by one-third since the onset of the recession despite the "historically high" number of appointments of new judges.
The "rationalisation" of District Court venues, which has reduced the need for judges to travel to some courts, has contributed to a 25pc reduction in travel and subsistence rates alone.
Overall costs have dropped by 31pc from the €2,432,580 required in 2008 to €1,674,466, according to new figures released by the Courts Service.
The Courts Service says savings in costs were made at a time when the number of judges has increased – from 131 in 2006 to 146 last year – and when the courts experienced a general increase of 26pc in workload.
Justice Minister Alan Shatter has invited judges, who set up a representative body last year following the controversy over judicial pay and independence, to make further "adjustments" as part of the extended Croke Park talks.
Irish Independent
