THE operation of the Irish Brokers' Association's compensation fund is expected to come under scrutiny in a defamation action being taken against the association by a former member. The case, being taken by Mr Albert Dawson, an insurance broker in Ranelagh, Dublin, is due to start today in the High Court.

The Irish Brokers' Association terminated the membership of Mr Dawson's company, A.E. Dawson and Sons, in 1992 after he fell out with the association over a number of issues including the operation of the fund. Mr Dawson claims that the association defamed him in letters written to insurance companies after his membership was terminated.