Meeting with Century bankers insignificant, says Burke

A private meeting Mr Ray Burke held with Century Radio's bankers was "a matter of no significance", the former minister told the tribunal.

Mr Burke acknowledged that in December 1989 he gave officials from Bank of Ireland assurances regarding the government's commitment to the independent radio sector.

However, he denied a claim by Mr Pat Hanratty SC, for the tribunal, that he gave "verbal comfort" to the bankers regarding the introduction of a cap on RTE's revenue.

Mr Burke denied that there was anything inappropriate about a minister meeting the bankers of a private company without the presence of civil servants.

Asked why he did not call in his officials for the meeting, Mr Burke said it was "just a quick meeting" and he did not want to "bring the lads up" from their offices.

Mr Hanratty accused Mr Burke of repeatedly "washing your hands" of the decision to introduce the cap on RTE. The former minister rejected this.

Mr Burke said that he was disclaiming responsibility for a decision taken by government. He would refuse to answer any questions about discussions at cabinet, which were bound by rules of confidentiality.

Mr Hanratty asked whether Mr Burke had asked any of his officials to examine the consequences for RTE of the imposition of a cap before the proposal was put to government in March 1990.

Mr Burke replied that he was "treading on dangerous waters" by getting into matters of cabinet confidentiality.

Mr Hanratty asked why there was no mention in the aide-memoire which the minister presented to cabinet of Century's financial difficulties and of the assurances he had given to the station.

Mr Burke said that to answer the question he would have to discuss what happened at cabinet.

Mr Hanratty said that Century's co-founder, Mr Oliver Barry, had been given specific information at every stage of the implementation of the cap. Where did Mr Barry get this information?

Mr Burke said he would get calls from Mr Barry. He would tell him something as a way of "palming him off or getting him out of my hair".