Two groups of key figures in the rail signalling inquiry are seeking the immediate right to challenge witnesses whose evidence they say is damaging to them.
The Oireachtas subcommittee holding the inquiry will rule this morning whether to allow the cross-examination, which would disrupt the running order of the inquiry.
The requests were made at the close of the second day of hearings yesterday by barristers representing Alstom Signalling Ltd, which now owns Sasib, one of the two companies awarded the troubled CIE signalling project, and three former employees who left CIE to join the second company, Modern Networks Limited (MNL).
Mr Bill Shipsey told the inquiry his clients, several Alstom executives, took issue with the findings of the report by consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers that prompted the inquiry.
The inquiry had heard the report contained serious criticisms of Sasib and its ability to handle the project. "I would have an objection to that report being put to my clients before they have an opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses from PricewaterhouseCoopers," Mr Shipsey said.
Mr Eoin McCullough made a similar application on behalf of Mr Brian Powell, managing director of MNL and former head of procurement at CIE; Mr Bernard Kernon, a director of MNL and former engineer at CIE; and Ms Mary Hand, an executive at MNL and former CIE solicitor. The departure of the three to MNL, after they had an involvement in the company's contract, is one of the subjects of the inquiry.
Mr McCullough said his clients disputed much of the PwC report, which had been in the public eye for some time, causing difficulties for them and their families. "They are commented upon adversely in the report without having any chance to comment. That was very damaging to them. They say the conclusions of the report are wrong. It's only fair that they would be allowed challenge those conclusions before the inquiry goes any further."