Widow of former CIÉ chief sues Oireachtas for legal costs

THE widow of former CIÉ chief executive Michael McDonnell is suing Oireachtas members who investigated multi-million euro cost overruns on a rail signalling system.

The case challenges the right of TDs who were members of a Dáil committee to adjudicate on the issue, and seeks legal costs from the State believed to be worth anything between €300,000 and €400,000.

TDs, Senators and former deputies on the Dáil committee inquiring into the €45m overrun in CIÉ's mini-CTC signalling system include Martin Brady, Jim Higgins, Austin Currie, Sean Doherty, Pat Rabbitte and Noel O'Flynn. The suit also names Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy and Attorney General Rory Brady.