Several apply for access to ODCE’s court filing in INM investigation

Several people have applied for a copy of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement’s 224-page affidavit in support of its application for the appointment of inspectors to Independent News & Media (INM).

These include some people whose names appeared on a list of 19 “persons of interest” discovered during the ODCE’s year-long investigation into various corporate governance issues at the company.

The list was attached to emails exchanged by employees of external companies allegedly involved in a so-called “interrogation” of data.

Among those who applied to the High Court for access to the affidavit was journalist Sam Smyth, a former INM employee.

An application was also made on behalf of Red Flag Consulting, its chief executive Karl Brophy, chairman Gavin O’Reilly and executive office manager Mandy Scott.

All three previously worked for INM, where Mr O’Reilly was chief executive. Both Mr Brophy and Ms Scott appeared on the “persons of interest” list.

INM’s largest shareholder, Denis O’Brien, is currently suing Red Flag for conspiracy and defamation.

Access to the affidavit is also being sought by former INM chief executive Robert Pitt, whose protected disclosures prompted the ODCE investigation. Mr Justice Peter Kelly remarked Mr Pitt was mentioned throughout the affidavit.

The court heard INM chief finance officer Ryan Preston, who also made a protected disclosure to INM, had been given a copy of the affidavit, but not supplemental ones filed by the ODCE.

Mr Justice Kelly is to consider the applications next week.