Journalist dismissal case is delayed

An unfair dismissal case taken by journalist Gemma O’Doherty against Independent Newspapers Ltd has been delayed for four weeks over claims it could prejudice a linked High Court defamation hearing.

The decision was made by the Employment Appeals Tribunal after a five-hour legal discussion yesterday.

Speaking at the preliminary hearing, tribunal chairperson Thomas Ryan said Ms O’Doherty’s legal representative, Cathy Maguire, had until May 26 to provide a written submission as to why the EAT should make a decision in advance of a High Court hearing related to the same matter.