Lowry "acted as Dunnes consultant"

MR Michael Lowry carried out work for Dunnes Stores independently of his refrigeration services company, Streamline Enterprises Ltd, according to a source close to the former minister.

Mr Lowry sold consultancy services to Dunnes Stores connected with the refrigeration installation and maintenance work carried out by his company, the source maintains.

Both Mr Lowry and his company were offered credit facilities by Dunnes Stores. The £208,000 used for the renovation of Mr Lowry's Co Tipperary home was credit advanced to Mr Lowry personally rather than to his company.

Both Mr Lowry and his company received occasional "incentive payments linked to performance", according to an informed source. Credit advances made to both Mr Lowry and Streamline Enterprises Ltd were "sort of advances on income to be earned".

Mr Lowry ceased carrying out consultancy work for Dunnes Stores following his appointment to government in December 1994.

The income due to Mr Lowry from 1993 has yet to be resolved with Dunnes Stores, according to the source. The issue of the credit advance, the income due to Mr Lowry for the period, and the tax liability due, are all linked, the source said. "There is a rolling situation and the thing is ongoing. There is an intensely close relationship between Mr Lowry, Streamline Enterprises and Dunnes Stores."