Injunction stays in place as INM executive fights to prevent dismissal

Injunction proceedings brought by an executive with Independent News and Media seeking to prevent his dismissal were adjourned yesterday.

Karl Brophy, a director of corporate affairs and content development at INM, sought a High Court order last Friday to prevent his dismissal.

An injunction was granted restraining INM from acting further on its decision of May 8 to terminate his employment until the case returned before the court yesterday.

When the case was called yesterday, the court heard it had been agreed to adjourn the matter until June, with a request for a trial date on Oct 18.

The case is expected to take six days.

Mr Justice Roderick Murphy was told by Brian O’Moore SC, for INM, that the action was “somewhat speculative and pointless”.

Oisin Quinn SC, for Mr Brophy, said terms had been agreed between the parties on what way the case should proceed.

Mr Quinn said it was agreed that Mr Brophy should deliver his statement of claim by May 23.

A defence would then be delivered by Jun 6.

Further terms for exchanges of letters and matters of voluntary discovery were also agreed upon and the case could be mentioned again before the court on Jun 28.

In the meantime, orders granted last Friday by the High Court should continue, including in relation to no further steps being taken in relation to the decision to dismiss and that INM would not release confidential information concerning his employment.