Media take Denis O'Brien case to High Court
Media organisations are going to the High Court this morning for clarification on whether comments made in the Dáil about Denis O'Brien's banking arrangements with IBRC can be reported.
The comments were made in the chamber last week by Independent TD Catherine Murphy.
In the normal course, media reports of the comments made by Ms Murphy about Mr O'Brien's dealings with IBRC would be covered by Dáil privilege.
However, in this instance there is uncertainty because of an existing High Court order prohibiting RTE and any media outlet on notice of the order reporting details of that very same subject.
It has caused a storm because media organisations are unsure if they are free to cover the story in full and some are now going to court to clarify whether the terms of the order extend to comments made in the Dáil.
The case is due to go to court today but may not be decided today.
The matter is further complicated by claims from Mr O'Brien's side and former IBRC Chairman Alan Dukes that some of the deputy's remarks about the businessman's banking arrangments are wrong.
Ms Murphy says her sources are very reliable.
