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The McBrearty family of Raphoe, Co Donegal, who claim certain gardaí subjected them to a campaign of harassment and intimidation "reminiscent of the activities of the Black and Tans," have secured High Court permission to challenge the refusal of the chairman of the Morris tribunal to direct ongoing funding for their lawyers at tribunal hearings.

Mr Justice Peart granted Mr Frank McBrearty snr, a publican and night-club owner, leave to apply, in judicial review proceedings, for various orders and declarations, including a declaration that the refusal of the tribunal chairman, Mr Justice Morris, to provide them with legal assistance breached their constitutional rights and represented a failure to vindicate their good name.