A legal challenge by the director of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Mr Declan McGonagle, to a decision to advertise the post of director has been adjourned at the High Court to December 18th.
The IMMA board undertook not to take any steps in the meantime to replace him.
Mr McGonagle (48), who has been a director of IMMA since it opened in 1991, claims his legal rights have been infringed by a decision to advertise the post of director of the museum. It is alleged that the chairman of the board, Ms Marie Donnelly, told him a week ago that the post was being redefined and would be publicly advertised.
Mr McGonagle's second five-year term as director ended several months ago. His first-term contract was renewed after five years without a public competition.
The dispute between some members of the board and Mr McGonagle has been described as "a clash of opposing cultures".
Yesterday, Mr Donal O'Donnell SC, for the board, told Mr Justice O'Neill the matter could be adjourned to December 18th. His clients were giving undertakings not to replace Mr McGonagle in the meantime.
Counsel said the undertakings would act as if orders had been made restraining the museum from taking any steps to employ anyone other than Mr McGonagle as director.