The Fianna Fail Justice spokesman has said a letter he wrote to a judge on behalf of drug dealer was done on compassionate grounds.

Prosecutors in the case have urged a court not to 'attach too much weight' to a letter written by Niall Collins.

The man had pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis worth almost €18,000 for sale or supply.

His legal team at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court said the case belongs in the 'exceptional category' because of his family circumstances - and this was backed-up by a letter, hand-written by Deputy Niall Collins.

The man is due to be sentenced in October.

Deputy Collins has released a statement, saying "I fully understand and respect the absolute independence of any sentencing judge in making their decision based on the facts put before them during any trial. If my actions suggest anything other than total respect for judicial independence that is a source of genuine regret".

He also said that "I wrote the letter outlining the exceptional circumstances of this family as the four children lost their mother through suicide earlier this year and I truly believed that the Judge should be made aware of these tragic circumstances so that they could be taken into consideration when sentencing".

"My decision was based solely on compassion and concern for the four children" he added.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny disagrees and says it is a "direct intervention" in the administration of justice.