A journalist who was dropped from covering courts by Examiner Publications (Cork) Ltd after they discovered she had not been present in court for a case she reported yesterday settled her action against the company for unfair dismissal.
Ms Ann Mooney, of Knockroe, Woodview, Upper Rochestown, Cork, was seeking reinstatement by Examiner Publications (Cork) Ltd for unfair dismissal in May 1996. Examiner Publications (Cork) Ltd denied the claim, saying Ms Mooney was never an employee.
Yesterday, at an Employment Appeals Tribunal hearing, the tribunal chairman, Mr Joe Revington, said he believed Ms Mooney's connection with the Examiner was unique and the case should be settled without implications for other cases.
After over an hour of negotiation the tribunal resumed and Ms Mooney's barrister, Dr John O'Mahony SC, said the parties had agreed a settlement. He read a statement, agreed by both sides, to the tribunal.
Both parties agreed that the case was unique and that the settlement would not be a precedent for any other case. It was accepted that, for the purpose of the settlement, Ms Mooney had been engaged as a freelance journalist.
The case was adjourned to allow implementation of the terms, which were not disclosed to the tribunal.