Sweeney v VHI [2021] IESC 58: expert witnesses in possession of confidential or privileged information

Abstract

This case commentary reviews Sweeney v VHI, where the Supreme Court of Ireland held that an academic economist could not be retained as an expert witness by one party to a competition law action, where he had previously acted for the other party in separate proceedings, and had been in receipt of confidential or privileged information. The court held that the role of an economist in competition law actions required a high degree of interaction with the client and legal team, such that privileged or confidential information would be likely to be exchanged. Where there was a real risk that such information would be disclosed, the expert should be excluded from acting for the other side in other proceedings.