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Gemma O'Doherty settles unfair dismissal case with Independent Newspapers

Gemma O'Doherty was made redundant by Independent News and Media in August 2013
Gemma O'Doherty was made redundant by Independent News and Media in August 2013

Former Independent Newspapers journalist Gemma O'Doherty has settled her unfair dismissal case against Independent Newspapers.

Ms O'Doherty contended that she was unfairly selected for compulsory redundancy, after she went to the home of the former garda commissioner Martin Callinan, during her investigation of the penalty point controversy.

The company denied the allegations, saying the redundancy was part of a corporate restructuring.

The settlement was announced this morning in a statement read to the Employment Appeals Tribunal by Senior Council Brian Kennedy.

Independent Newspapers unreservedly apologised to Ms O'Doherty for what it described as the stress and hardship caused by the proceedings.

Ms O'Doherty is to receive undisclosed damages and Independent Newspapers will "indemnify her in relation to her legal costs".

It said Ms O'Doherty had "acted at all times in a professional and diligent manner".

Ms O'Doherty described the outcome as a resounding vindication of her professional and personal reputation.