Fine Gael, Labour and the Green Party have walked out of the Dail in protest at the refusal of the Government to censure Independent Deputy Thomas Gildea following allegations he made against former Justice Minister Nora Owen.

Former Taoiseach John Bruton TD has today defended Nora Owen's record as Minister for Justice.

Opposition parties are demanding that Independent Deputy Thomas Gildea be censured following allegations he made against former Justice Minister Nora Owen.