The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has confirmed that a suspicious package found near the home of the Justice Minister in Dublin contained anti-semitic material.

The suspicious package found near Alan Shatter's home was earlier declared a hoax. It came after gardai requested the services of the Defence Forces this morning when they became aware of the package.

An Army bomb disposal unit also examined the package. It contained a substance which was found to be harmless.

Commenting on the incident the Taoiseach Enda Kenny said whoever was responsible had sunk to a new low.

While the Minister for Health James Reilly condemned the actions of those responsible.