Courts / Ireland / Report
"Medieval laws" should not be used to dismiss action over Esat Digifone licence, court hears
Summary
The High Court heard a claim that Denis O'Brien's Esat Digifone consortium won a 1996 mobile phone licence by bribing Minister Michael Lowry. The claim is funded by Persona Digital Telephony, Sigma Wireless Networks and Harbour Litigation Funding. The State argues the funding arrangement breaches champerty law, which forbids unrelated third parties from financing litigation to profit from a win. Mr Michael Collins SC, representing Persona, said champerty is a medieval rule that no longer applies and that the funding does not undermine judicial integrity. The plaintiffs seek damages for alleged misfeasance in public office, breach of duty, contract, legitimate expectations, constitutional rights, EU law and a declaration that the 1996 Regulations contravene EU law. The case is before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly tomorrow.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Medieval laws" should not be used to dismiss action over Esat Digifone licence, court hears. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 2015-11-17 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Places mentioned
- The High Court
- High Court
Topics
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