State to foot bill for GRA sick pay legal challenge
The Garda Representative Association has been awarded costs in a High Court action over changes to sick pay, despite losing the case.
The action was brought against the Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin, which means it is the state that will bear the brunt financially.
Normally the losing party in a court case would pay legal costs, however there are exceptions and this appears to be one of them.
The Garda Representative Association took an action against the Minister for Public Expenditure to try and exempt gardaí from public service sick pay cuts, an action which they lost.
However, the High Court has ruled that it is Minister Howlin's department that will have to cover both sides costs. This is because it failed to disclose certain documents to the GRA until late in the day.
The Department of Public Expenditure has said it is disappointed with the ruling. The hearing lasted three days and the costs have been described as substantial.
A representative from the department said they will consult with their legal team and assess what options are open to them.
