The following is the statement by Mr Robert Molloy TD, Minister of State for the Environment:
"In response to today's comments by Mr Justice Philip O'Sullivan, I want to apologise to the court and to the victim for any embarrassment or hurt caused by a contact made on my behalf inquiring as to whether a letter had been received from a constituent who is related to the accused and the victim.
"The lady in question was upset that her letter had not been acknowledged and asked me to inquire on her behalf whether the letter had been received or not.
"In good faith, I then requested an official in my office to inquire from the judge's secretary as to whether or not her letter had been received.
"I now fully accept that any inquiry relating to a case should have been made to the court registrar, as Mr Justice O'Sullivan pointed out today.
"Unfortunately, the official's telephone call went through to Mr Justice O'Sullivan in his chambers, who very correctly terminated the conversation immediately.
"At no stage was I or my official motivated by an intention to influence the judge. I fully accept that this unfortunate sequence of events should never have happened.
"At no stage did I suggest that direct contact should be made to the judge at his chambers or at home.
"I deeply regret any offence caused to the court, the judge, the victim and the public."