Shatter: Some people have some difficulty with reform

The Justice Minister Alan Shatter is defending his role in reforming the courts structure saying there is no threat to the independence of the system.

Minister Shatter was responding to criticism from Justice Peter Kelly over the weekend.

Mr. Justice Kelly said the Irish judicial system is being demolished brick by brick, with cuts to judges pay and the establishment of new courts.

Speaking this morning Minister Shatter said some people have difficulty dealing with reform, but there is no question of any change to the integrity of the courts process.

He said: "I think unfortunately on occasions some people have either have some difficulty with reform, or some confusion can arise.

"But there's absolutely no question of any nature of this government having any view other than the independence of our judiciary and the integrity of our court processes must be preserved.

"I think it would be unfortunate that any message go out to the contrary."