O’Brien’s action against Dáil deferred

Tycoon Denis O’Brien’s legal action over speeches made in the Dáil in relation to his banking affairs with Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) has been adjourned to October.

Last month, Mr O’Brien initiated a High Court action against the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and the State arising from speeches and remarks made in the Dáil under privilege, including those by Independent TD Catherine Murphy and Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty.

Yesterday, when the matter returned before High Court president Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, senior counsel Michael Cush, for Mr O’Brien, said directions were being sought on how the case was to proceed.

There was no objection to a change in the name of the defendant to the Dáil and members of the relevant committee, counsel said.

Sara Moorehead SC, for the Dáil, said her side would have to seek the sanction of the Dáil before it rises on July 16 and also get access to Mr O’Brien’s separate proceedings against RTÉ. Mr O’Brien has taken proceedings against RTÉ over a report on his IBRC affairs.

Mr Justice Kearns said there was no possibility of the case being heard before the end of the legal term.

After discussions between the parties on a timetable, the judge adjourned the matter for mention to October 7. The defence is to be delivered to the O’Brien side by September 21.