Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Indeed. Members should also remember that Article 3 of the United States constitution sets out the right to hold office for judges during good behaviour and there is a right to receive compensation at stated times, "which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office". This pertained to protecting the independence of judges. Given the straitened circumstances in which we find ourselves, it of course may be necessary to give constitutional backing to the right of the Government to propose a reduction in judges' salaries. But one must remember-----