An action by insurance brokers Mr John Boyle, his wife Eithne and their firm, J. and E. Boyle Investments Ltd, of Killeen Terrace, Malahide, Co Dublin, alleging slander against Irish Life Assurance plc has been settled at the High Court. It was claimed that an employee of Irish Life had disseminated false and malicious rumours regarding the plaintiffs. The claim was denied.

In a statement read by Mr James Nugent SC, for the plaintiffs, it was stated Irish Life unreservedly accepted that the words complained of in the proceedings were untrue and regretted any hurt that may have been caused to the plaintiffs. It had agreed to pay the plaintiffs' damages.