Former minister for justice Patrick Cooney has received an apology, damages and his legal costs under a settlement of his defamation action against The Irish Times. Brian O’Moore SC, for The Irish Times, then read the apology. On November 17th 2014, The Irish Times published an apology for making this allegation, acknowledged its falsity and undertook not to repeat it. Neither The Irish Times nor Professor Ferriter intended the reference to Mr Cooney in that article as suggesting that he approved of any abuse that occurred. The Irish Times has further agreed to pay substantial damages and costs to Mr Cooney.”After counsel completed reading the apology, Mr Justice Barton struck the case out on the basis agreed between the sides.

Source: The Irish Times February 05, 2019 12:00 UTC