Rabitte: State will defend itself after awarding mobile licence

The Communications Minister has said that the State will fully defend itself against any claim made against the Exchequer over the awarding of the country's second mobile phone licence.

It follows a Supreme Court decision to allow legal challenges by two unsuccessful bidders for the licence, which was awarded to Denis O'Brien's Esat Digifone in 1995.

Minister Pat Rabitte said this evening that the State would contest any claim of liability to pay damages from public funds to the plaintiffs in the case.