Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Senator for raising this important issue. I have considerable sympathy for his argument. The Bill providing for the establishment of the judicial council is important legislation because it will allow these matters to be addressed independently. It is not right that these Houses would encroach enormously on the independent functioning of the Judiciary.

The Senator asked a question about the total numbers. At present a majority of the judges of the Circuit Court and the Supreme Court are provided with an usher or a crier. A total of 44 ushers and 41 criers were employed by the Courts Service at a total cost of €3.3 million in 2010.