Judge Curtin case - Inquiry is in public interest

IT still remains to be seen whether Judge Brian Curtin will have to bear his own costs in his attempt to block an investigation by an Oireachtas committee, as the Supreme Court has reserved judgment on this question.

From an issue of public concern of fundamental importance, it would be resented should the decision of the court favour the judge.

The Supreme Court has found against him on the substantive issue, and the Oireachtas committee is entitled to continue its cross-party inquiry into Judge Curtin’s alleged misbehaviour.

It was crucial that this investigation be allowed to proceed because it involved a question that caused wholesale public concern and disquiet.