Courts / Ireland / Report

'Handcuffs on the press': Garda manager to seek High Court injunction against WRC over gag order

Summary

Lawyers for senior Garda civilian manager Bridget Casey‑Mulligan claim anonymity directions are being misused by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). They intend to seek a High Court injunction to stop the WRC's order that the press cannot name the senior official who is the subject of a dignity‑at‑work complaint. Casey‑Mulligan's case, which involves alleged whistleblower penalisation and unlawful pay deductions, was scheduled for a second hearing day but she did not attend. Her barrister, David Byrnes, presented a medical certificate citing severe stress from the WRC proceedings. The WRC adjudicator, Máire Mulcahy, noted that the case could proceed with public hearings if no mediation occurs. Byrnes argued that anonymity should be granted for the senior official, Mr Y, who is no longer with the Gardaí, and that the WRC's direction to the press is "scandalous." The adjudicator said she would consider preliminary matters and that the case could be paused until a stenographer arrived.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Handcuffs on the press': Garda manager to seek High Court injunction against WRC over gag order. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2025-02-26 Publication

Why: Mr Byrnes said: "You can't, chair, because I haven't opened my mouth in reply yet. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report