THE EXPENSES INCURRED by  some District Court and Circuit Court judges for travel expenses, subsistence and clothing topped half a million euro in 2010.

Figures released in response to a parliamentary question show that the cost of travel  and subsistence for 17 District Court judges who live more than 20 kilometres from their appointed regions was €250,359. One judge had a bill of €34,270.

Five of these judges also had bills which totalled €4,123 for judicial attire and other expenses.

Thirteen Circuit Court judges meanwhile had costs of €259, 925 for travel and subsistence, with six of those requiring €6,017 for clothing and expenses.

These forty judges had been assigned to districts or circuits which had borders more than 20 kilometres from their homes.

Judges are also eligible for an annual allowance which covers the provision of a study and library facilities for their houses, for when they’re required to deal with urgent matters and need to work from home.

These allowances total just over €9,000 for each of the presidents of the Circuit and District Courts. Circuit Court Judges are entitled to €2,730, while District Court Judges get €1,365.

According to the Department for Justice these library allowances are paid directly to the judges from a central fund.

Judges face pay cuts of between 16 and 23 per cent if a referendum in October is passed.

Retired judge to oversee referendum on judges’ pay>

New Chief Justice rejects €38k pay rise>