Legal counsel for Aer Lingus has told the High Court that recent publicity arising out of a sexual harassment case within the company has been unwelcome.

Aer Lingus Chief Executive Michael Foley will continue his fight in the High Court this morning for the right of an appeal arising out of sexual harassment findings made against him.

The High Court has been told that a female employee at Aer Lingus only made a complaint of sexual harassment after she had a conversation with company chairman Bernie Cahill.

The High Court has been told that media disclosure of the Aer Lingus sexual harassment case led to pre-judgement of company CEO Michael Foley.

The High Court has been told that Aer Lingus breached its own disciplinary guidelines by refusing its CEO Michael Foley the right of appeal after he was effectively found guilty for sexual harassment.

A High Court challenge by Michael Foley, the Aer Lingus executive who was asked not to report to work after the company upheld sexual harassment allegations against him, will open later this morning.