Initial hearing by Dunnes tribunal

THE tribunal of inquiry into payments to politicians by Dunnes Stores will hold a preliminary hearing in Dublin Castle on Monday week.

But it is not expected to begin taking oral evidence from witnesses until after Easter.

It is understood that the tribunal will seek to procure a copy of the Price Waterhouse report.

The tribunal will also seek the affidavit prepared by Mr Ben Dunne, which is alleged to name a senior Fianna Fail politician as the beneficiary of £1.1 million, in the near future.

Meanwhile, Mr Edward Comyn SC, and Ms Nuala Butler, barrister, were named as the legal team to represent the public interest at the inquiry yesterday. They have also been mandated to make representations to the tribunal on the issue of costs.

Though further public hearings will be held in March, the chairman, Mr Justice McCracken, is unlikely to be in a position to call witnesses until April.

Mr Justice McCracken will place notices in newspapers this weekend inviting public submissions to the tribunal.