A High Court judge has vowed not to return to the courts until the heating is restored to his chambers "whenever that may be, if ever".
In a letter yesterday to the chief executive of the Courts Service, Mr P.J. Fitpatrick, Mr Justice Paul Carney complained that the central heating radiators in his chambers "have never worked and despite repeated representations on my behalf the situation has never been rectified".
He said: "I have absolutely no doubt but that I have suffered the most debilitating colds and illnesses on account of the Arctic conditions prevailing in my chambers".
The judge said that on Thursday a maintenance man "presented himself in my chambers and told me that he was there for the purpose of seizing the heaters in my chambers and that he would do so no matter what my views of the situation might be. He indicated to me very clearly that resistance on my part would be utterly futile".
The judge told Mr Fitzpatrick the purpose of his letter "is to inform you that I am going home and shall remain there until the heating is restored to my chambers whenever that may be, if ever".
The letter from Mr Justice Carney was circulated to all the judges of the High Court.