The financial controller of the Irish Times Ltd will apply to the High Court on Friday for an injunction restraining his dismissal.
The proceedings have been taken by Mr Richard Gee against The Irish Times Ltd and Irish Times Publications Ltd.
Mr Justice McCracken yesterday gave leave to lawyers for Mr Gee to serve notice on the defendants of the intention to apply for an injunction. The proceedings are returnable to the court on Friday, with liberty to both sides to apply to the court in the meantime if they wish.
Making the brief application to move the motion on Friday, Mr Thomas Mallon, for Mr Gee, said his client had been in the position of financial controller for about 18 years. He said Mr Gee was told some weeks ago by the managing director [Mr Nick Chapman] that he was to be dismissed by reason of redundancy as it was the intention of the newspaper to appoint a chief financial officer.
Mr Mallon added that Mr Chapman had said he had not intended to tell Mr Gee until the appointment was made but there was a "leak" and he had had to tell him. There was correspondence between solicitors for Mr Gee, the company, and the company's solicitors, counsel added. His side had sought certain undertakings, but these had not been forthcoming, and Mr Gee was told last week that he was to be made redundant.
Mr Mallon said Mr Gee was given 12 months' notice but was told he would only have to work three months.