IMO’s director of communications seeks to halt purported dismissal

The Irish Medical Organisation's long standing director of communications Maria Murphy has launched High Court proceedings aimed at preventing her purported dismissal.

Ms Murphy, who has worked with the IMO for the last 26 years, initiated her proceedings against the IMO after she was told earlier this month she was being dismissed for alleged breach of contract.

She denies that claim.

Ms Murphy, Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock Co Dublin, wants various court orders including an injunction preventing her purported dismissal and an order reinstating her as IMO Director of Communications.

Mr Justice Paul Gilligan granted an ex parte (one side only) application by lawyers for Ms Murphy permitting them serve short notice of her proceedings on the respondents and returned the matter to next week.

Mark Connaughton SC, for Ms Murphy, said she had returned to work on January 9th after being out on sick leave but was informed by the IMO that she was not entitled to return to her employment.

Counsel said his client disputes the IMO’s position.

Ms Murphy was then informed she was being summarily dismissed, after years of substantial service, for allegedly being in breach of contract.

She rejected the purported dismissal, arguing it was effected without any fair procedures.

His client is entitled to an injunction restraining her purported dismissal and wished to have the matter heard as soon as possible, counsel added.

Lawyers for the IMO had in correspondence with Ms Murphy’s solicitors said they would oppose any application for an injunction, he added.