Courts / Ireland / Report

Waters & O'Doherty to appeal refusal to challenge pandemic laws

Summary

John Waters and Gemma O'Doherty have announced they will appeal the High Court's refusal to grant them leave to challenge pandemic laws. The High Court heard their intention to appeal Justice Charles Meenan's decision during arguments about who should pay legal costs, including the State, the Minister for Health and the notice parties. Both applicants argued that the High Court should not order them to pay the State's costs or those of the notice parties, claiming their action was brought in the public interest. The State's counsel said the applicants should pay their costs and rejected the public‑interest argument, noting the regulations were introduced to protect life and public health. The applicants' submissions were rejected as lacking expert evidence, and the judge described the case as unstateable, dismissing the application for leave to appeal. The applicants plan to appeal to the Court of Appeal.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Waters & O'Doherty to appeal refusal to challenge pandemic laws. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• 2020-05-27 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

Read the original CNI report