THE UNFAIR DISMISSAL case of former Irish Independent journalist Gemma O’Doherty was settled at the Employment Appeals Tribunal today.

Her representative Paul Tweed said O’Doherty “has been totally vindicated by the comprehensive apology and acknowledgement of her professional integrity and reputation by Independent Newspapers”.

As part of the confidential settlement, which included an undisclosed damages sum, Independent Newspapers read the following statement:

“Independent newspapers wish to acknowledge the exceptional work of award winning investigative journalist Gemma O’Doherty for the Irish Independent during the course of a lengthy career.

Independent Newspapers accepts that Gemma O’Doherty has acted at all times in a professional and diligent manner and in the best interests of Independent Newspapers.

Independent Newspapers unreservedly apologise to Ms O’Doherty for the stress and hardship caused to her and her husband as a result of its actions.

Independent Newspapers have agreed to pay Ms Doherty undisclosed damages and to idemnify her in relation to her legal costs.

She was made compulsorily redundant by the paper’s publisher, Independent News and Media (INM), following her report on garda chief Martin Callinan and the apparent removal of penalty points from his driving record.

O’Doherty worked for the newspaper group from 1995 to August of last year. Today she said:

The very comprehensive apology and expression of regret from Independent Newspapers today represents a resounding vindication of my personal and professional reputation.

“I now jut want to get on with my career and to continue to uphold the fundamental principles of investigative journalism and free speech.”

O’Doherty’s husband, Peter Carvosso, who was also referenced in today’s statement from the newspaper had been a long-time editor of the Irish Independent’s Saturday Review section but no longer works for INM.

Today’s settlement will also bring to an end High Court proceedings which were pending in the O’Doherty case in relation to private injury and defamation.

That case will be formally discharged early next year.