Tralee Town Council has suspended a policy of naming and shaming those who sue it in an attempt to reduce its public liability bill which this year reached €1 million. A spokesman for the council said yesterday it was to seek legal advice on the matter.
In April, the council published the names and addresses of six people and their solicitors, along with the type of claim and the type of injury claimed.
An advertisement headed Public Liability Claims 2003 in a local newspaper gave details of personal injury claims against the council, five for falls and one for a footpath trip.
The council decision to publish was taken "in order that the ratepayers and taxpayers who contribute to the one million insurance provision can see who is seeking compensation", according to Mr John Breen, town clerk.
It is understood defamation proceedings have been instituted against the council by a solicitor and some of those named on the list.