THE COURTS Service employs 75 tipstaffs to work for judges, although none of the positions has ever been advertised publicly, according to Minister for Justice Alan Shatter.
Supreme Court and High Court judges employ their own ushers, while Circuit Court judges appoint criers to assist them in their duties, Mr Shatter told the Dáil.
The Minister said no specific qualifications were required for appointment as usher or crier. Their duties include “providing a measure of personal security” for the judge and helping in court.
Ushers who were appointed after 1995 earn €438 to €621 per week, while criers are paid €435 to €606, the Minister told Fine Gael TD Derek Keating in response to a parliamentary question. They can also earn up to 23 hours a week in overtime.
The post of tipstaff is being abolished under new legislation recently published by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin. New judges will no longer be entitled to appoint an usher or crier, although they will be entitled to support staff.
Previous data obtained by Mr Keating from parliamentary questions showed that judges are entitled to an array of expenses, including a once-off allowance to buy a wig of €2,195. Other allowances can be claimed every two years, including €745 for a frock coat, €389 for a gown and €165 for a vest or waistcoat.
District Court judges are entitled to the month of August off, plus 12 days, equivalent to 32 days in total. Judges not assigned to a particular court are entitled to 36 days of leave.
Seventeen District Court judges claimed €250,000 worth of home travel and subsistence last year, while 13 Circuit Court judges claimed almost €260,000.
Five judges got more than €30,000 each, with the highest claimant being paid €37,000.