Garda∅ have failed to show that steps taken by the Oireachtas sub-committee investigating the shooting dead of Mr John Carthy in Abbeylara, Co Longford, are unconstitutional, the High Court was told yesterday.
Mr Diarmaid McGuinness SC, for the Attorney General, said the AG was neither a participant in the hearings of the sub-committee nor represented at the hearings. The AG was represented before the court to assist it in relation to constitutional issues.
A three-judge Divisional High Court is hearing a challenge by 36 garda∅ to the Oireachtas sub-committee investigating the shooting following a siege at Mr Carthy's home on April 24th, 2000.
Mr McGuinnness said it was a matter of great public importance that the Houses of the Oireachtas ought to be able to conduct such inquiries within their constitutional remit. Counsel said the court's function was not to trespass on but to respect and allow the work of the Houses of the Oireachtas to proceed.
The hearing continues.