Minister backs senators over Justice Bill abstentions

The Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan has given his full backing to Green Senators Dan Boyle and Deirdre de Burca.

They abstained during the final vote on the controversial Criminal Justice Amendment Bill which passed all stages in the Seanad last night.

Minister Ryan says they felt they needed to make a statement and that he fully supports them.

He has also denied suggestions that this is the beginning of the end for the Greens in Government.

He said: "What's important is concentrating on getting the country out of the current economic crisis."