Two politicians ordered to give confidential information to a tribunal will go to the High Court next week to challenge the ruling.
Senator Jim Higgins of Fine Gael said he would go to the court on Monday to initiate an application for judicial review of the decision by the Morris tribunal, which is investigating allegations of corruption against some gardaí in Co Donegal.
The Labour TD, Mr Brendan Howlin, is expected to make a similar application, although it could not be confirmed yesterday that he would initiate his action on Monday.
Information Mr Higgins and Mr Howlin relayed to the Government in 2000 was instrumental in the establishment of the tribunal, which is chaired by the former president of the High Court, Mr Justice Frederick Morris.
With two Oireachtas committees expected to be enjoined as a notice party to the actions by the two politicians, the case raises the prospect of a legal battle between the Oireachtas and a tribunal which it set up.
Sources said the Dáil and Seanad Committees of Procedure and Privileges are likely to make a case on the general issues around what the politicians believe is an entitlement not to disclose confidential information to a tribunal.
The committees are expected to meet to formally sanction their involvement once the cases are initiated in the High Court.
The Government is believed to be positively disposed to the provision of indemnity to Mr Higgins and Mr Howlin over their actions.
Mr Higgins said yesterday: "I believe that I had not only a right but a duty to protect the source of the information in all situations where it was given strictly on a confidential basis."
His action is expected to cite sections of Article 15 of the Constitution, which offer privilege over the private papers of TDs and senators.
