Charleton Tribunal examines privilege for journalists

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

The Charleton Tribunal began examining journalistic privilege at Dublin Castle on 27 February 2017, as it investigated whether media coverage formed part of an alleged smear campaign against Sergeant Maurice McCabe. The tribunal is seeking submissions on whether confidential or off-the-record communications with journalists can be protected from disclosure.

Mr Justice Peter Charleton said the tribunal had no settled view on the issue. He indicated that submissions would be heard before any ruling, with journalists potentially providing important evidence about allegations made to them.

This report covers an earlier stage of the case. Later developments are not reported here.