Aer Lingus chief executive Mr Michael Foley will this morning meet the subcommittee which is deciding what sanction to impose on him, following a finding that he was guilty of sexually harassing two of the airline's employees.

The meeting will take place at a city centre venue and it is understood that legal representatives of both sides will attend. Mr Foley handed in a "lengthy" and "detailed" submission to the subcommittee last Friday.

The chief executive, who is effectively suspended and who has not been at work for more than three weeks, is expected to argue in the details of his submission that he was not guilty of any gross misconduct.

The subcommittee's task is to decide what sanctions, if any, should be imposed on Mr Foley. It cannot overturn the findings of the original committee which investigated allegations by two female Aer Lingus employees that the chief executive sexually harassed them.

The subcommittee comprises directors Mr Paddy Wright, Mr Chris Wall and Mr Des Richardson. It is expected to issue its decision shortly afterwards, possibly within a few days. It does not have to refer back to the Aer Lingus board on any decisions it takes.

Sources stressed last night that the findings of the first report were "not open to debate". However, it is difficult to see how the sides can avoid debating them, if Mr Foley argues that he was not guilty of gross misconduct.

This hearing is a disciplinary one, whereas the previous committee investigated the allegations and came to a conclusion, but did not recommend a course of action.

The harassment allegations were made by SIPTU worker director Ms Joan Loughnane and head office staff member Ms Anne Lawlor.