Courts / Dublin / Report

Sacked pilot's lawyer calls Aer Lingus exec a "bare-faced liar" at tribunal

Date
2026-05-12
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

A senior Aer Lingus executive, Adrian Dunne, denied giving false evidence at an employment tribunal and rejected the claim by a sacked pilot's lawyer that he is a "bare-faced liar." The tribunal is hearing complaints by former A320 captain Tom O'Riordan, who claims he was penalized for making protected disclosures about alleged toxic fumes on an aircraft. O'Riordan alleges he was poisoned by fumes and suffered brain damage, ending his flying career. His complaints under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 and other legislation are denied by Aer Lingus. O'Riordan was terminated for breaching the airline's social media policy. His lawyer, David Byrnes BL, accused Dunne of providing false evidence about the airline's reporting obligations. Dunne denied the allegations, stating that the pilot was responsible for ensuring an air safety report was filed. The tribunal is continuing with further legal exchanges and is due to continue later this month.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sacked pilot's lawyer calls Aer Lingus exec a "bare-faced liar" at tribunal. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: Mr Dunne told the WRC he heard Mr O'Riordan's appeal and found "no reason for changing the decision" of the disciplinary officer. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Facility
  • Beaumont Hospital

Topics

Stage Trial

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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