Counsel: Denis O’Brien targeting freedom of debate

Businessman Denis O’Brien’s “target” in his legal action over Dáil statements about his banking affairs is the “future freedom of parliamentary debate”, the State has told the High Court.

If Mr O’Brien wins, any person who sues to prevent publication of material, alleges defamation or breach of privacy, can put the Oireachtas on notice of their case with the effect of stifling debate, said Maurice Collins SC.

What was being sought, through “a series of superficially skilful subterfuges and sidesteps”, was to have the courts abrogate the parliamentary freedom of speech conferred by the Constitution.