The country's top judge has described public debate on changes to the court system as 'innacurate' and a misrepresentation of the judiciary's position.

Chief Justice Susan Denham says claims that the judiciary is fighting change is surprising, when the opposite is the case.

She made the comments at the National Judges Conference this weekend Mrs Justice and added that members of the judiciary have been calling for reforms for the way judges are appointed for years.

She says that the recently established Judicial Appointments Review group met with Government Ministers including the Justice Minister and Transport Minister.

Last week, Shane Ross said judges need a register of interests, so that it is clear if they have vested interests in a case.

When reminded that judges already take an oath to consider every case "without fear or favour", the minister said judges might sometimes forget it.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny moved quickly in the Dail to distance himself from the comments.

In a statement the State's most senior judge says she remains optimistic on the issue of a judical council - despite the complexities of working with the Government.