The French authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Ian Bailey in connection with their investigation into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

The body of the 39-year-old film producer was found outside her holiday home in Toormore near Schull, Co Cork, in December 1996. She was attacked and beaten to death.

The inquiry headed by a French judge was established after the Director of Public Prosecutions decided that no charges be referred here against Mr Bailey who has always said he is innocent of any involvement in the crime.

Two French judges visited the murder scene, had the victim's body exhumed and interviewed witnesses.

The gardaí are cooperating fully with the inquiry; the file was handed over to the French investigators and investigating gardaí testified to the inquiry in Paris.

Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has said the request for the extradition of Ian Bailey will be passed on to the courts.

Mr Ahern said the High Court will decide on the issue and neither he nor the Department of Justice had any role in the matter.

Mr Bailey, who is now in his final year of a law degree at UCC, was arrested and questioned twice by gardaí in 1997 and 1998.

His solicitor today expressed surprise at the French decision to seek his extradition.

Frank Buttimer said his client had never been approached or contacted in any way by any French investigating authority seeking his help or cooperation.

He also said the DPP had already decided that Mr Bailey had no case to answer.

This case, where another country seeks to try an Irish resident for the murder of one of its citizens here, is the first of its kind.

A European Arrest Warrant would have first have to be endorsed by the High Court before it could be executed.

This report was broadcast on France24.