A HIGH COURT judge has ruled that Oireachtas committee reports were relevant to the issues he had to decide in the constitutional challenge of legislation to turn the Great Blasket Island into a national park.
Mr Justice Budd is hearing a challenge to An Blascaod Mor National Historic Park Act, 1989, which has been taken by a number of landowners. The defendants are the Commissioners of Public Works.
The legislation is being contested by Blascaod Mor Teo, which has registered offices on the island, and the beneficial owners of the company, Dingle solicitor, Mr Peter Callery; his brother, Mr James Callery, Cloonahee House, Elphin, Co Roscommon; Ms Kay Brooks, widow of a former US diplomat; and Mr Mattias Jaunch, Mercier Park, Turners Cross.
Last week, Mr Justice Budd heard submissions from lawyers in the case in relation to the admissibility of certain evidence. The judge reserved his decision.
In a preliminary ruling yesterday, he said that in his view the reports of committees of the Oireachtas or commissioners set up by the Oireachtas were relevant to the issues he had to decide. Those were material which could be adduced in the evidence.
The court would have to rule in each individual instance as to whether there was in fact any relevant matter.
The court could only give a guidance ruling at this stage but would reserve its position if and when required as the adducing of particular evidence was challenged. The hearing is continuing.