SECRECY is being put ahead of civil rights in the case of an IRA mole’s action against the Home Office, according to the solicitor representing Martin McGartland.
The one-time IRA informer is suing the Home Office for compensation for breach of contract with regards to aftercare following a gun attack which left him unable to work.
But the judge in the High Court case said “sensitive material” relating to protection of security service “handlers” arose in the case and declared that Home Secretary Theresa May could use “closed material proceedings” (CMPs) in the interests of national security.
“The Judge has put State secrecy above any other consideration,” Mr McGartland’s solicitor Nogah Ofer told The Irish Post.
“We are talking about someone who has been an agent of the State. It is very concerning.”
The former RUC Special Branch agent claims the security services failed to provide care for post-traumatic stress disorder and access to disability benefits.
Mr McGartland’s legal team said they were in the process of preparing a submission to appeal the decision.
