– Release date: 19 August 1999
The IFPA has warmly welcomed the outcome of a hearing before Mr Justice O'Donovan in the High Court this morning.
The hearing related to breaches of an order restraining trespass on IFPA premises, protests outside IFPA premises and harassment and intimidation of staff and clients. The order was issued on March 11th last following the forcible occupation of the IFPA's Cathal Brugha Street Clinic by a large group including Youth defence members or supporters and at least 40 Americans invited to Ireland by Youth Defence.
Eighteen members or supporters of Youth Defence were today required to give undertakings to the Court that they would not breach the order in the future. Mr Justice O'Donovan has made it very clear that any further breach by these persons would result in speedy imprisonment. An Order for costs was also made in the IFPA's favour. A case against three others will proceed next week.
IFPA Chief Executive Tony O'Brien today said:
"Our aim in taking this action was to bring an immediate and permanent end to systematic harassment and intimidation of our clients and staff. Today's ruling by Mr Justice O'Donovan made it clear that the High Court will not tolerate such behaviour which amounted to a flagrant contempt of the Order issued by the High Court last March.
"We will take any and all legal action necessary to protect staff and clients and will not hesitate to bring anyone in breach of the order before the Court. Intimidation and harassment of this kind has no place in Irish Society."