A Garda superintendent who has been suspended since August told the High Court yesterday that he had "a legitimate expectation" that the State would provide legal representation for him at the Morris tribunal into alleged garda corruption in Co Donegal.
Supt Kevin Lennon has brought an action to have the State pay his legal costs of appearing before the tribunal.
Mr Jack Fitzgerald SC, for Supt Lennon, said his client was one of the persons whose reputation and good name was in jeopardy before the tribunal, which started hearing witnesses on March 3rd.
The tribunal chairman, Mr Justice Morris, had given representation to those he thought should be represented at the tribunal, and Supt Lennon was one of those. However, the chairman believed he did not have the power to provide funds on a month to month basis. Any costs would be awarded at the end of the tribunal by the chairman.
Mr Fitzgerald said the Garda Commissioner had stated he would represent individual gardaí, but had notified Supt Lennon that he could not represent him.
The tribunal was already hearing the first module. However, Supt Lennon had no legal team because it could take anything up to 10 years before any costs might be paid to him.
Mr Fitzgerald said Supt Lennon was being treated unfairly by the commissioner.
The State denies Supt Lennon's claims that he is unable to pay his own legal costs.
The hearing continues today.