The inquiry into District judge Donnchadh O'Buachalla's handling of the transfer of a pub licence to Catherine Nevin will begin public hearings on July 19. John Rogers, SC, for District Judge O'Buachalla, said Judge O'Buachalla's absolute preference was that the entirety of the inquiry be heard in public. This was also the wish of the two Arklow gardaí who complained of unfair treatment in Judge O'Buachalla's court.
Mr Justice Murphy ruled that all evidence would be heard in public but he retained the right to go into private session if matters arose that could prejudice further criminal proceedings involving Catherine Nevin. The inquiry will hear evidence on the licensing issue over 3 days, beginning July 19 and will then adjourn until Sept 1.
Judge O'Buachalla arrived at the King's Inns in Dublin today for the start of the first public sitting of the inquiry into his handling of the transfer of a pub licence to Mrs Catherine Nevin. Just days after Catherine Nevin's conviction for her husband's murder last April, serious questions were raised about the propriety of Judge Donnchadh O'Buachalla's conduct in transferring the licence for Jack White's Inn to Catherine Nevin's sole name. The Minister for Justice invoked a little known or used section of the 1946 Courts of Justice District Court Act to establish a formal statutory based inquiry. Mr Justice Murphy was nominated by the Chief Justice to conduct the inquiry.
Judge O'Buachalla, the Gardaí and others, including the Nevin family, are expected to seek legal representation at today's sitting. Following his inquiry, Mr Justice Murphy will be reporting to Minister John O'Donoghue, who has already said that he will publish the report.
