The judge who controversially resigned from Ireland's only Drug Court on Tuesday has reversed his decision, and will now remain in the position.
Judge Gerard Haughton had said his position was made "untenable" by the refusal of the body representing court presidents, the Judicial Studies Institute (JSI), to sanction his attendance at an international conference on drug court professionals in the US in June.
The JSI said it was unable to free up a judge for five days due to the "extremely busy" District Court lists.
Last evening, the Court Service issued a brief statement saying "Judge Gerard Haughton has agreed to remain as the judge assigned to the Pilot Drug Court".
His decision followed "meetings with the presidents of the District and High Court".
It is understood that Judge Haughton will not, however, be going on the US trip despite his change of mind. The conference is due to take place in Milwaukee between June 1st and June 5th. Judge Haughton has attended it in previous years.
Judge Haughton's decision to remain is expected to be welcome by participants in the Drug Court scheme.
Many of those waiting to have their cases heard had reacted with dismay when the judge said he was stepping aside.