Solicitors sue RTÉ for libel during programme

TWO solicitors claim they were libelled in an RTÉ Primetime programme which allegedly showed their practice’s letterhead during a programme on bogus and exaggerated compensation claims.

Brothers Paul, aged 52, and Brendan, aged 48, Byrne are seeking damages because they say Prime Time accused them of bringing bogus claims, of being dishonest and being guilty of unethical conduct, and their reputation had been damaged by the programme which was aired on March 27, 2003.

The Byrnes, practising as B and P Byrne, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin, say they were libelled during a section of programme entitled “Sue Nation” when a claims handler for CIÉ alleged the legal profession was encouraging bogus claims for personal injuries.