Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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118. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if travel and subsistence expenses claimed by judges are vouched and audited; and her views on the €780,000 in expenses claimed by judges in the first half of 2016. [28546/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that all claims for travel and subsistence by judges are validated by the Courts Service and paid in accordance with rates sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and are in compliance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations. The validation system ensures that the highest possible standards of accuracy and compliance with regulations are applied in the processing and payment of claims for judicial expenses. Travel and subsistence expenses claims are vouched, where required by regulations, and are subject to audit.

Information on travel and subsistence expenses incurred by judges is published on the Courts Service website on a six monthly basis. The figures relates to travel and subsistence, judicial attire and incidental expenses claimed by judges of all jurisdictions during the six month period and claims can also be made in respect of expenses incurred in previous periods. The travel and subsistence costs for judges arise mainly from the constitutional requirement that Courts sit across the country in each Circuit Court Circuit and District Court District and the total amount is determined by the number of court sittings and the number of judges assigned, both of which have increased in recent years. The High Court also sits outside Dublin as required.