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"Absolutely futile" to go to High Court over journalistic privilege, chairman says

Summary

The Charleton tribunal, chaired by Mr Justice Peter Charleton, has decided not to refer the matter to the High Court over journalists' claims of privilege. The tribunal is examining allegations that Superintendent David Taylor, while a Garda press officer in 2013‑2014, directed journalists to smear whistle‑blower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Former commissioners Martin Callinan and Nóirín O'Sullivan deny any smear campaign. On day 97, barristers for several newspapers argued that journalistic privilege protects free expression and a free press; they warned that forcing journalists to answer could chill future sources. Mr Charleton said that any order to compel answers would be "absolutely futile" because the journalists' resistance would not change the outcome. The tribunal will consider whether any witnesses need to be recalled before final submissions are heard. The chairman will meet his legal team to decide next steps. The tribunal has identified 20 issues to address in its report.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Absolutely futile" to go to High Court over journalistic privilege, chairman says. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 19 February 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2013 and 2014 Other
• 1989 to 2014 Other
• 2018-06-22 Publication

Why: Credit: Collins) By Gerard Cunningham The chairman of the Charleton tribunal has said he will not go to the High Court to require journalists to answer questions where they claimed journalistic privilege because it would be "absolutely futile". CNI source report

Places mentioned

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Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report