Nolan appeals refusal to extend injunction over dismissal

Professor Philip Nolan is appealing the High Court’s refusal to extend an injunction preventing him from being sacked by Science Foundation Ireland.

Prof Nolan had been granted an initial injunction stopping his dismissal but the court refused to extend that injunction after a hearing last month.

It found he was not sacked for misconduct and there was no requirement for fair procedures. It found the provisions of his contract allowed the dismissal.

In court today, Judge Rory Mulcahy discharged the original injunction protecting Prof Nolan’s position.

He adjourned the issue of costs until after a full hearing of the case against the agency.

Five staff members had made protected disclosures involving allegations against Prof Nolan.

An investigation found there was no bullying or breach of corporate governance but that he had a case to answer that there had been inappropriate behaviour falling short of bullying.

He claimed the problems arose because senior management were resisting the reforms he had been appointed to deliver.

Lawyers for SFI argued that Prof Nolan was dismissed in accordance with the terms of his contract and not because of any misconduct.