An application by the financial controller of Irish Times Ltd for an injunction restraining his dismissal has been adjourned at the High Court to May 15th.
Mr Justice Smyth yesterday granted the adjournment after Irish Times Ltd gave an undertaking that Mr Richard Gee would not be dismissed from his post before May 15th and that the company would not appoint any other person to his position or to a similar position before that date.
Mr Michael Howard, for Irish Times Ltd and Irish Times Publications Ltd, said his clients were giving the undertaking with the greatest reluctance. There was no need for the undertakings because Mr Gee remained in his post and the company could not appoint another person to the position of chief financial officer before the next court hearing.
He said Mr Gee was still in his post and was working out notice of 12 months. However, if the court required the undertakings before consenting to adjourn the matter, his clients would give the undertakings.
Mr Howard said he required the adjournment to respond to affidavits from Mr Gee. Irish Times Ltd considered the matter was one of urgency.
Mr Tom Mallon, for Mr Gee, had earlier sought the two undertakings for an adjournment.
Earlier this week, Mr Mallon told the court that Mr Gee had held the post of financial controller for 18 years but was told some weeks ago he was to be dismissed by reason of redundancy as the newspaper intended to appoint a chief financial officer. He said Mr Gee was given 12 months' notice but told he would only have to work for three months.
Mr Justice Smyth said he would adjourn the case to May 15th in light of the undertakings. He directed that Mr Howard serve his affidavits on the plaintiff by close of business next Tuesday and that any replying affidavits be served by Friday next.