New Developments In Norwich Pharmacal Jurisdiction

A Norwich Pharmacal Order (NPO) is typically sought to require a person who has become involved, whether innocently or knowingly, in a third party’s wrongdoing to disclose information necessary to identify or pursue the alleged wrongdoer.

NPOs have traditionally been sought to facilitate the institution or pursuit of legal proceedings. However, the recent High Court (Court) decision in The Chief Inspector of Social Services v Raidió Teilifís Éireann [2026] IEHC 445 demonstrates that the jurisdiction may extend beyond that context and be available in support of regulatory investigations.

Background

In June 2025, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) broadcast a television programme, RTÉ Investigates: Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes, which included edited undercover footage exposing alleged poor care practices in two Irish nursing homes. This footage appeared to suggest “systemic failures of care”, raising concerns about the safety and welfare of residents.