Independent News and Media has sought to deliver what was described as a "knockout blow" to an attempt to appoint inspectors to look into its affairs.

The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement is investigating an alleged data breach at IrelandÂ’s largest newspaper publisher.

The state's corporate watchdog claims the purpose of removing the data relating to 19 persons of interest remains unclear.

The President of the High Court was due to hear an application to have two inspectors appointed to look into INMÂ’s affairs in what was described today as a "fact finding exercise".

But Mr. Justice Peter Kelly was told INM intends to apply for permission to challenge the decision to bring the application in the first place.

If successful, it would mean the court would have no reason to consider the appointment of inspectors so an application for leave to have a judicial review will be heard next month.