Courts / Limerick / Report

Allegation that professor misled Dáil committee cannot be revisited, lawyers argue

Date
2026-05-13

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

The High Court heard arguments regarding an application by former University of Limerick (UL) president Professor Kerstin Mey for an injunction to prevent a new investigation into an allegation that she misled the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Counsel Marcus Dowling SC, appearing with Christopher McMahon BL, argued before Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger that the matter cannot be revisited because Prof Mey was previously vindicated by a Special Disclosures Group investigation and the parties reached a settlement. This settlement, agreed in 2024, included her resignation from the presidency and a clause warranting no disciplinary action. The proposed re-investigation, initiated in May 2025, concerns alleged conflicting accounts regarding the non-attendance of UL's chief corporate officer, Andrew Flaherty, at a May 2023 PAC meeting. Prof Mey's affidavit states the initial investigation found no wrongdoing on her part. Counsel submitted that UL has no legal obligation to re-open settled matters and that the settlement was final. The hearing was adjourned to allow UL's counsel, Brian Kennedy SC, to address the court.