Courts / Ireland / Report

Five CAB officers sue over "field work" allowance

Summary

Five Criminal Asset Bureau officers, acting as applicants, are suing the State over a disputed 'field work' allowance. The applicants, who serve as forensic accountants and financial crime analysts, claim they are entitled to a €19,000 annual allowance paid to CAB officers seconded from Revenue, the Department of Social Protection, and Customs and Excise. They allege they perform identical dangerous duties, including attending search operations, preparing court documents, and interviewing dangerous criminals, often during anti-social hours. The applicants assert they were discriminated against, as the Minister for Justice previously rejected their 2008 claim, stating their work did not expose them to field risks comparable to other bureau staff. Although a €9,500 allowance was sanctioned in 2008 and increased in 2011, the applicants argue this is insufficient and seek orders directing the Minister to pay the full allowance plus arrears, along with declarations of entitlement. The State, represented by Peter Ward SC, denies the claims, asserting the applicants are not entitled to the payment and have been compensated according to their appointment terms. The defendant further contends the claims are misconceived in law and statute barred. Benedict Ó Floinn SC, instructed by solicitor Peter Dempsey, opened the case for the applicants, highlighting the perilous nature of their work and noting they attended an estimated 141 of 200 raids in 2008. The trial, before Mr Justice Senan Allen, continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Five CAB officers sue over "field work" allowance. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 2019-04-30 Publication

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report