Dentist claims another dentist had installed secret cameras to watch his staff
A dentist has claimed before the High Court he and his staff were put under surveillance by secret cameras allegedly installed by another dentist.
The claim has been made by Michael Maguire against James Hiney, who operate their separate dental practices out of a building they co-own at Market Point, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
The two had run their businesses at the premises successfully for some years.
In recent times that relationship has decayed to the point that the environment between the dentists is "toxic", according to Mr Maguire.
In a sworn statement to the court, Mr Maguire said as the relationship unravelled there have been a host of issues between the two, ranging from petty complaints to serious allegations.
He said Mr Hiney has made allegations against him, including alleged assault, defamation, harassment, vandalism and the alleged withholding of information from insurers about the building. Mr Maguire denies those claims.
Negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute have not succeeded, he said.
As a result of a number of recent events, Mr Maguire seeks various orders against Mr Hiney.
These include one preventing Mr Hiney from monitoring and mounting surveillance on Mr Maguire's employees, that his patients are not solicited and any proposed construction works at the premises be halted.
Mr Maguire also seeks orders that all data including patient lists be returned to him as well as an order for damages.
At the High Court today, Ms Justice Costello granted Mr Maguire permission to serve short notice of proceedings, on an ex parte basis, against Mr Hiney.
Stephen Byrne Bl for Mr Maguire said there were a number of matters that were of serious and immediate concern to his client.
The first was related to the installation of security cameras in the building by Mr Hiney, which counsel said were put in without Mr Maguire's consent.
Last April, counsel said members of Mr Maguire's staff noticed a small cavity in the false ceiling above the reception area. The hole had a secret camera, wiring and a microphone.
This has been reported to the Gardaí.
Counsel said Mr Maguire's staff and patient's activities, personal files and patient data were captured by the camera.
Counsel said Mr Hiney's solicitor said in correspondence the camera was installed on the advice of Gardaí over an alleged theft of money from the premises.
This is not accepted by Mr Maguire, counsel said, as a specialist firm who carried out a report on the camera showed an image from the camera showing Mr Maguire's staff working at their part of the reception desk.
Mr Maguire, counsel added, also says the defendant has engaged in a marketing campaign, including sending text messages, in an effort to solicit his patients
Among those patients who received messages from Mr Hiney's business was Mr Maguire's wife, counsel said.
Counsel said his client is concerned that his patient's details were obtained from a back-up computer server that contained records which the defendant removed from the shared premises and has not returned.
The matter will return before the court later this week.
