Sub-sub-sub-series 28 - David Norris v Senator Doherty et al

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This subsubsubseries relates to a separate case: David Norris v Seán Doherty (Ceann Comhairle [speaker of lower house of Irish parliament]) and 11 others (members of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges (CPP)) and Seanad Éireann.

In early 1990, Dublin University member David Norris while seeking to amend the order of business in the Seanad [Irish Upper House of Parliament] alleged that Senator Seán Doherty, Ceann Comhairle [Chair of the Seanad] was involved in having the composition of a delegation to Nicaragua for the election changed to exclude the National University Senator John A Murphy (who was to represent the small group of independents in the Seanad) but allowing one Fianna Fáil and one Fine Gael representative. Norris was later charged with breach of privilege by the CPP and was to be suspended from Seanad Eireann for one week. Doherty himself presided over the CPP which investigated Norris, although the allegations Norris made related to Doherty, and the CPP refused Norris permission to have legal representation present, or to bring witnesses. Norris took case to High Court which quashed the report the CPP issued following their investigation and quashed his suspension and gave permission for Norris to apply for a Judicial Review.

Later it emerged that Mr Doherty had withheld from the Seanad CPP legal advice that he should not have presided over the hearing of Mr Norris's allegation, and it transpired the allegations had foundation. Despite an agreement between parties which included Norris having legal costs paid by Doherty, it appears an investigation into Doherty's actions subsequently took place.

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04/10/2024
17/07/2025