The High Court is today expected to begin the hearing of the case taken by a garda against the State over his repatriation from UN duties in Cyprus.
Garda Michael Fitzpatrick alleges that his repatriation was ordered after remarks he made at a social function in Nicosia to mark St Patrick's Day.
The Minister for Defence, Mr Barrett, was at the function and, according to Garda Fitzpatrick, became angry when the garda said that if Fianna Fail returned to power allowances paid to gardai would be increased.
Mr Barrett denies the allegations.