A CHALLENGE by businessman Mr Dermot O'Leary to the decision of the former transport minister, Mr Michael Lowry, to dismiss him as CIE chairman was adjourned for a week in the High Court yesterday.
Mr O'Leary was dismissed as CIE chairman in April, 1995. He was later given leave by the High Court to seek an order quashing the minister's decision and reinstating him as company chairman.
His proceedings are against the minister, Ireland and the Attorney General.
In the High Court yesterday, Mr Justice Morris adjourned proceedings in which Mr O'Leary is seeking to have the case sent for a full plenary hearing and certain documentation from the defence.
If the case goes to a full hearing, Mr Lowry, Mr John Loughrey, Secretary of the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications, and former CIE chairman, Mr Eamonn Walsh, could be called as witnesses.
The application for an adjournment was made by Mr Patrick Hanratty SC, for Mr O'Leary. Mr Brian Murray, counsel for the respondents, agreed to an adjournment.
He said it seemed desirable that motions to remit the case for fullhearing and for discovery of documentation should be heard at the same time.
Mr O'Leary was appointed CIE chairman in June, 1994, by the then minister, Mr Brian Cowen.