Public hearings will hear claims of money for political favours

The tribunal is to hold a number of public hearings to examine whether political favours were done for persons who gave money to Mr Charles Haughey or Mr Michael Lowry.

Mr Justice Moriarty said the tribunal had received a large number of submissions from the public on this matter and also made inquiries about matters it felt warranted investigation. Extensive work had been conducted in private in this regard.

"As with other aspects of potential evidence, the tribunal has taken the view that setting an unwarrantedly low threshold for proceeding to public sittings would both entail unfairness with persons likely to be affected and protract the tribunal's duration to more lengthy dimensions.

"It is envisaged that a limited number of such acts and decisions will be identified and addressed in the concluding new year sittings."

The chairman said the tribunal would conclude its public sittings as early as possible in the new year. The evidence in relation to the money trail has largely been completed, he said, "and other than the aspect referred to earlier [hearing evidence from Mr Haughey], there remain only some limited matters of fresh testimony to be heard in this regard plus some limited areas already dealt with that require brief revisitation".

A further public sitting may be required next week. Examination of how the Revenue Commissioners performed in raising taxes from Mr Haughey will be the focus of public sittings beginning on Monday, December 18th. In January evidence in relation to the Revenue Commissioners and Mr Lowry will be heard.