The dispute between Dunnes Stores and the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, over the appointment of an authorised officer to two Dunnes companies, returns to the High Court tomorrow.

Dunnes is insisting that Ms Harney personally sign an affidavit outlining her reasons for the decision to appoint an officer to the companies. Last month the High Court ordered that such an affidavit be sworn and handed over to Dunnes Stores. The court also ruled that no orders of discovery be served by the authorised officer until two weeks after the affidavit is served.

An affidavit sworn by a senior civil servant from Ms Harney's department was handed over on November 27th. Direction is now to be sought from the High Court. Last month the High Court ruled that Dunnes was entitled to know the reasons why Ms Harney chose to appoint Mr Gerard Ryan as an authorised officer to Dunnes Stores Ireland, the flagship company of the Dunnes group in this jurisdiction, and Dunnes Stores (Ilac) Ltd. Dunnes is to examine the reasons to see if there are grounds to seek a judicial review of the decision.