Ex-'RTE Guide' editor settles dismissal case

The former editor of the RT╔ Guide, Ms Heather Parsons, has reached a settlement in a case of constructive dismissal against her former employer.

Ms Parsons, who was editor of the publication for more than 10 years, had filed a claim with the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT).

She also took a High Court action, which would be dropped as a result of yesterday's settlement, according to an RT╔ spokeswoman.

When the action was initiated early last year, the Sunday World newspaper ran the story under the headline "Guide Editor Sues RT╔ in New Bullying Row".

Ms Parsons worked as editor of the RT╔ Guide from 1986 until 1988, when she left to pursue other interests.

She was head-hunted back to the post in 1991 and remained there until last year.

She was absent from work from September 2000 following allegations of bullying, although her name continued to be listed as editor in the RT╔ Guide into the new year.

Ms Parsons's case was listed for hearing at the EAT in Dublin yesterday morning but after more than two hours of negotiations the legal representatives of the two parties involved reached a settlement.

Mr Rory Brady SC, for Ms Parsons, told the tribunal chairwoman, Ms Mary Faherty, that his client's claim could be "struck out".

"I'm pleased to say Heather Parsons and RT╔ are delighted to have resolved their differences. All matters between the parties have now come to a satisfactory conclusion," he said.

Mr Ercus Stewart SC, for RT╔, apologised for taking up the tribunal's time.

Mr Brady also apologised and added that the time taken to resolve the issue was "ultimately for the benefit of everybody".

Afterwards, Ms Parsons said she had no comment to make about the case.

RT╔'s director of communications, Ms Bride Rosney, said she could not comment on the amount of money involved in the settlement without breaching confidentiality agreements.