The Justice Minister says his plans to resume Garda recruitment will be delayed - after the collapse of Croke Park 2.

Alan Shatter has repeatedly said he hoped to lift the ban on hiring this year - to ensure the number of officers doesn't fall below 13 thousand.

However he now says that the rejection of the public sector pay deal - means he will not have the funds to pay recruits.

Minister Shatter is denying he is reneging on a promise - and says he is still committed to recruiting for the force:

Meanwhile in a separate issue, the Justice Minister is also insisting there is no crisis between the Government and members of the judiciary.

Alan Shatter says some judges were mistakenly of the view that there has been a breakdown in communications.

It comes after Judge Peter Kelly accused the Government of dismantling judicial independence brick-by-brick.

A new forum has been set up to allow for ongoing contact between both sides - where issues can be raised.

Minister Shatter is adamant that he is not engaged in a row with anyone in the judiciary: