High Court dismisses challenge against 'super juniors' at Cabinet meetings

An appeal directly to the Supreme Court over the outcome is expected to be sought

(Left to right) TDs Richard Boyd Barrett, Paul Murphy, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Pa Daly outside the Four Courts after losing their case against the Government's super junior ministers. Photo: Gráinne Ní Aodha/PA

Challenges brought by two Opposition TDs claiming that attendance of “super junior” ministers at meetings of the Government is unconstitutional have been dismissed by the High Court.

Sinn's Féin Pa Daly and People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy brought separate but similar challenges, arguing that article 28 of Bunreacht na hÉireann limits the number of Government members to 15, and provides they meet and act as a collective authority.