McBrearty fails in bid to have legal costs paid

DONEGAL publican Frank McBrearty yesterday lost his High Court application to have the State pay his legal costs for appearing at the Morris Tribunal.

The evidence of Mr McBrearty and his family is considered to be of central importance to the tribunal and they have been granted the right to be legally represented. However, on July 22, 2002, the chairman of the tribunal, Mr Justice Frederick Morris said he could only make an order for payment of legal costs at the conclusion of the tribunal hearings.

Mr Justice Michael Peart said he had no alternative but to reject the application. However, he hinted the work of the tribunal might be eased if some form of assistance could be given to the family.