Lennon’s case for legal costs should get early hearing

THE High Court said there should be an early hearing of an application by Garda Superintendent Kevin Lennon for the State to pay his legal costs before the Morris Tribunal.

President of the High Court Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan said it seemed on the information available to him that he should not grant an application yesterday for an interlouctory injunction against the garda commissioner and minister for justice under which they would pay Mr Lennon’s costs at the tribunal pending a full hearing. The judge said he would ensure the matter went to an early hearing and he adjourned it for mention on March 24 next.

Counsel for Supt Lennon said that his side may need discovery of documents unless the defence told them what gardaí were being represented by the commissioner at the tribunal. Mr Justice Finnegan suggested lawyers for Supt Lennon write a letter to the other side seeking discovery. Supt Lennon has been suspended on 90% of his salary since August last.

The first module of the tribunal is under way and is dealing with the alleged planting of explosives in Co Donegal. Supt Lennon claims he has an involvement in this particular module as he believes allegations would be made which could reflect on his good name and character.

He stated he intends to co-operate fully with the tribunal which be believes would last for months and perhaps years. Supt Lennon claims he is unable to fund a solicitor and counsel before the tribunal from his own resources. He claims his lawyers would be unable to represent him if it was proposed that he had to wait until the tribunal ended in order to apply for his costs. In other tribunals he believed it had taken up to 10 years for legal costs.