Secretary's pay deal explained

Richardson's role:Bertie Ahern's secretary had her salary paid by a company controlled by his friend and Fianna Fáil fundraiser, Des Richardson, the tribunal heard.

Gráinne Carruth was working in Mr Ahern's office but her salary was paid by Willdover Ltd, which was funded by Mr Richardson in his role as national treasurer of the party, according to Des O'Neill SC, for the tribunal.

He asked the Taoiseach to explain the arrangement.

Mr Ahern said he did not have a set of books for paying somebody so Ms Carruth was paid through Willdover in order that her welfare issues could be properly handled.

This happened for a period until she went on the payroll account of Leinster House.

He could not recall how long the arrangement lasted.

"It wasn't an account that I had. I wanted to facilitate Gráinne Carruth to work for me. I had no control over Willdover. That was to facilitate me."

The arrangement was "Des Richardson helping me".

"He was assisting me. It was no more than that."

Asked if a similar consideration arose when Willdover paid him £2,500 by cheque in December 1993, Mr Ahern replied: "No."

This was Mr Richardson paying him out of his own income.

Mr O'Neill said the £2,500 payment was treated in Willdover's cheque journal as relating to "Kilmainham function".

He asked if Mr Ahern knew why the payment was treated in this manner.

Mr Ahern said he did not know why this was the case.