A district judge has apologised for remarks he made in court about Muslims. Judge Anthony Halpin remarked that “Muslims actually think they can beat their wives” in Tallaght district court on Thursday.

In a statement issued today Judge Halpin apologised for the remarks, saying "This week I made an unfortunate and incorrect remark in court". He went on to say he "had no intention of referring to, or offending Muslims or their religion”. Judge Halpin went on to say that the idea that he has an attitude that is “less than favourable to the Muslim religion” “could not be further from the truth”. He asked the Muslim community for its forgiveness.

“ I accept that I made the remark, but what I intended to say, and should have said, was that people who beat their partners do not appreciate the provisions of safety or protection orders, and they need intervention and education in that regard,” Halpin said.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland has welcomed Judge Halpin's apology.