Cork Defence Forces reservist settles High Court action over discharge

High Court Reporters

A reservist who was discharged from the Defence Forces almost four years ago on grounds that he was a risk to national security has settled his High Court action, with orders made to quash the discharge decision.

Kealan Harrington in 2021 brought judicial review proceedings against the Minister for Defence, Ireland and the Attorney General, strongly denying being a risk to national security.

The High Court previously heard that Mr Harrington believed his dismissal was linked to his role as public spokesperson for the family of Aaron Brady, who was convicted and jailed in 2020 for the murder of Garda Adrian Donoghue seven years previous.

Fechín McDonagh SC, appearing for Mr Harrington, told Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty on Tuesday that the action had settled, and that an order could be made quashing the decision to discharge him from the Reserve Defence Forces.

Mr Harrington, from Ballintemple, Co Cork, joined the Reserve Defence Forces in 2014.

A year later, he joined the Permanent Defence Forces, but left shortly afterwards. In 2019 he re-enlisted in the RDF and was subject to security vetting and security analysis.

In the proceedings, he claimed, following a meeting with three superiors, he was told last April he was being discharged as his services were no longer required and he was a security risk to the State.

He claimed, that despite asking for material concerning the reasons for his discharge, nothing was provided to him. He claimed his discharge was unlawful and in breach of natural and constitutional justice.