Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount in expenses that Judges receive tax free; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47565/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Payments are made to members of the judiciary in respect of travel and subsistence necessarily incurred on court business. The cost is largely determined by the number and location of court sittings and the travelling expenses payable to judges cover the use of their own private car. In addition vouched costs may be claimed relating to judicial attire. Such expenses are paid exclusive of income tax, in keeping with the practice throughout the public service. Details are set out in a table.

Allowances and expenses paid to members of the judiciary from the Courts Service Vote in 201

*The number of Judges above relates to all judges who served throughout the year, however not all judges claimed expenses.

It should be noted that 98% of total travel relates to mileage, the balance relates to taxi, car parking and other public transport. 95% of total subsistence relates to subsistence in Ireland, the balance relates to subsistence outside of Ireland including attendance at judicial training/conferences. In some instances payments include arrears from previous years. Costs incurred by judges sitting on Tribunals/Boards of Inquiry are recoupable from the relevant Department to the Courts Service.

In addition to the above expenses which are paid from the Courts Service Vote, an annual expense allowance is paid to members of the judiciary under the provisions of section 164 of the Finance Act 1994. This is paid monthly from the Department of Finance as part of salary. The levels are currently as follows:

Current Annual Allowance