Shatter says he has written to chief justice

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter yesterday confirmed he wrote to the Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Susan Denham, seeking further efficiencies and savings from judges and the court services.

He was responding to reports that he had asked judges to work longer hours for less pay and that in a letter to Mrs Justice Denham, he had requested members of the judiciary to consider what they might contribute to effect further efficiencies and savings. His aim was to ensure there was a system of justice that was administered in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Mr Shatter was speaking at a press conference following an informal meeting of EU justice and home affairs ministers in Dublin.