Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald has told the Dáil that the Government "lets justice run its course" and that she will not comment on any evidence heard in the Jobstown trial.

It came during Leaders' Questions after Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Mick Barry referenced the Jobstown trial.

The minister was responding to Deputy Barry's claim that the trial was an "attempt to gain revenge on those of us on the left".

Ms Fitzgerald said she would not comment on the trial given there is a possibility that the court's decision could be appealed.

Mr Barry suggested that An Garda Síochána engaged "in orchestrated conspiracy to pervert the course of justice."

Six found not guilty of false imprisonment in Jobstown trial
Legal argument: Obstruction or false imprisonment?
Legal argument: The right to protest

He said evidence given by three members of the Garda claimed they heard Deputy Paul Murphy say: "Will we let her go, or will we keep her for the night?"

Mr Barry said this claim was contradicted completely during the trial and questioned whether it was possible that the three gardaí misheard.

Mr Barry said the trial was "wasting a fortune of taxpayers' money. More than €10m had been spent trying to make out that those on trial were guilty."

He asked that the minister comment on the "appalling vista of the role of the gardaí."

He said the outcome of the Jobstown trial was a "stunning defeat for the establishment" and was a "shabby attempt to frame social activists for standing up for their communities against austerity."

A statement by a spokesperson for the Labour Party said it noted the verdict of the jury, and added: "The investigation of any criminal matter, and the conduct of any associated prosecution, is decided by An Garda Síochána and the law officers of the state who operate with complete independence from the political system.

"As we have been all along, the Labour Party remains resolutely focussed on our central tasks of holding the Government to account, and campaigning for decency, justice and equality in society."

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams welcomed the not guilty verdict and said: "The verdict is victory for the right to protest. The charge of false imprisonment was clearly trumped up. There were charges with an obvious political purpose - to demonise water charges protesters.

"The right to protest is a democratic and hard won right. It cannot be brushed aside or diluted to suit a political agenda.

This is good news for everybody who holds that right dear. I want to send my good wishes to the protesters and their families.