Minister denies claim judiciary is being undermined

The Minister for Justice has strongly denied claims made by a High Court judge that his Government is attempting to undermine the independence of the judiciary.

In a speech to up to 150 business leaders, Mr Justice Peter Kelly warned the independence of the Irish judiciary was viewed positively by foreign investors when seeking to do business in Ireland and that efforts to weaken this separation of powers would pose a risk for the economy.

However, in response, Minister Alan Shatter accused him of potentially undermining international business confidence in the State by making the speech.