The Taoiseach has ruled out any intervention in the case of five water charges protesters jailed for contempt of court.

Enda Kenny says the protesters wanted to be found in contempt of court as part of their campaign.

“These people knew very well what they were doing,” Mr Kenny said in response to a question from Socialist TD Ruth Coppinger.

The protesters were last week found in contempt of court for refusing to stay 20 metres away from the installation of water meters.

“Clearly the courts are completely and utterly independent of this house here,” Mr Kenny said.

The Taoiseach told Ms Coppinger that the protesters knew the consequences of breaching a court order.

“They wanted to be in contempt of court as far as I can assess.”

Mr Kenny then told Paul Murphy TD, sitting next to Coppinger: “If you want political leadership well then don’t attempt to be leading a mob.”