Voluntary payments by judges to be published

THE REVENUE Commissioners have confirmed that they will publish details next month of how many judges have made voluntary contributions in lieu of the pension levy.

Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan confirmed in his Budget speech that judges would be exempt from the pay cuts of 8-20 per cent imposed on all other high earners in the public sector.

He said this was because the Review Body on Higher Remuneration concluded it was precluded from recommending a reduction in judicial pay. It follows previous advice from Attorney General Paul Gallagher that it could not impose the pension levy on judges because of the Constitution.

In September, the Revenue disclosed that only half, or 72, of the country’s 144 judges had signed up to the deal.

On Budget day Mr Lenihan said he would make provision to facilitate the voluntary contributions.