The introduction of referenda on the Constitution is a matter for the Government.
In its report late last year, the review body on higher remuneration in the public sector concluded that the Constitution precluded them from recommending a reduction in judicial pay. Had they not been so precluded, they would have considered a downward adjustment. For the same reason the pension levy was not applied to the Judiciary, though many judges have contributed an amount on a voluntary basis. As I indicated in budget 2010, the Chief Justice and the Presidents of the Courts have urged all judges to make appropriate voluntary contributions from salary in respect of the levy and I will make provision in the Finance Bill to facilitate these payments.
I also indicated that since the review body would have considered a reduction of judicial salaries, I have decided that there will be no increase in judges' pay during the lifetime of this Government. Future Governments may choose, as in the past, to continue this course of action.