Aer Lingus has effectively suspended its chief executive, Mr Michael Foley, after an inquiry upheld two allegations of sexual harassment against him.
The airline's senior executive team is now answering directly to the chairman, Mr Bernie Cahill, and Mr Foley has been advised that he is not required to work or perform his duties pending an assessment of the inquiry's findings by a board subcommittee.
A spokesman for Mr Foley said he was taking legal advice on whether to attend work on Monday.
Mr Cahill received a report on Thursday from a separate sub-committee which investigated the allegations. Its findings were described as "not favourable" to Mr Foley.
The subcommittee assessing that report has been empowered to take such action as it deems necessary. Mr Foley is expected to be asked to appear before it next week.
The investigation began after two women staff members alleged sexual harassment against Mr Foley. He has rejected the report, claiming that the findings were "perverse".
Mr Foley joined Aer Lingus in September after it head-hunted him from the US, where he had charge of the brewing operations of Heineken.
A spokesman said Mr Foley was determined to remain in his position. He replied "no, he doesn't" when asked if Mr Foley accepted that the effect of the letter was to suspend him. Airline sources said that was the letter's effect.
The spokesman said: "Mr Foley will be examining the issues raised in the letter over the weekend and will take whatever measures are necessary to clear his good name."
Asked whether Mr Foley might seek an injunction to prevent the effective suspension, the spokesman said nothing had been ruled out. "He will take whatever action is required, including legal action, to clear his name."
Mr Foley is seeking an appeal which would be heard by an individual or group independent of the airline. In a letter to Aer Lingus on Thursday, his legal team cited a section in the workers' manual of the company which states that the airline had no right to take disciplinary action pending the outcome of the hearing of an appeal.
