Science Foundation Ireland will in the High Court attempt to justify its decision to dismiss Nolan as director general of the State agency
Prof Philip Nolan. His lawyers contend there was 'no conceivable justification' for his firing 'in the most egregious fashion' and fair procedures were not applied. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins
Counsel for the SFI said in a previous hearing the “only basis” for terminating his employment was by reference to the “express terms” of his written contract. The board decided it was “not going down the road of invoking disciplinary proceedings”.‘What we’re doing is different.
An independent inquiry by Tom Mallon SC into the misconduct allegations found he had not been in breach of corporate governance. It did not make any findings of misconduct against him, or that his conduct constituted bullying. Nolan has repeatedly denied all allegations and criticised how the process was conducted.
In his affidavit opened in court, Nolan said he found the PDG report “and its immediate acceptance by the board without any engagement with me to be truly alarming”. The letter opened to the court said the board had “repeated its great concern about the current functioning of the foundation”, adding that “it is considered view ... that there now exists a threat of the most serious kind to the performance by the foundation of its statutory responsibilities”.
“Your position in rejecting certain findings of the investigation report is noted but the board has decided, with regret, that termination of your contract of employment ... is the correct course,” the letter added.
Science-Foundation-Ireland Department-Of-Further-And-Higher-Education-Researc Patrick-Odonovan Third-Level Government Irish-Research-Council
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Prof Philip Nolan steps down as head of Science Foundation IrelandFormer director general was subject of protected disclosures by five staff members
Read more »
Prof Philip Nolan to seek injunction restraining his dismissal from Science Foundation IrelandHigh Court hears professor told on Monday night that he would removed from position with State research agency
Read more »
High Court halts dismissal of Philip Nolan as director general of Science Foundation IrelandLawyers for Nolan submitted there was ‘no conceivable justification’ for his summary dismissal ‘in the most egregious fashion’
Read more »
Prof Philip Nolan leaves SFI amid misconduct allegationsScience Foundation Ireland has announced that Professor Philip Nolan is no longer Director General of the organisation.
Read more »
Philip Nolan fights back, claiming managers ‘acted in concert’ against himManner of Simon Harris’s appointment of Nolan ‘did not go down well’ with those opposed to reform in Science Foundation Ireland, High Court told
Read more »
Philip Nolan victim of ‘orchestrated’ bid to frustrate reform of State agency, court toldProf Nolan’s lawyers submit there was ‘no conceivable justification’ for his firing
Read more »