14/02/2008

April 1st Mahon Challenge Granted

There's to be an April Fool's Day challenge by the Taoiseach into aspects of the Mahon Tribunal's enquiries about his own financial affairs.

The case will be heard by the High Court on 1 April by a divisional or three-judge High Court convened to hear the action.

Such courts are convened occasionally to deal with cases of particular national importance.

Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill said he had spoken to the President of the High Court about the case and said it was decided to have the action heard by a divisional court because the issue of constitutional privilege relating to statements made in the houses of the Oireachtas had arisen.

Responding to this morning's decision, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said it showed the court believes there are significant legal and constitutional points to be decided.

Mr Ahern's senior counsel, Brian Murray, outlined a timetable agreed between the two sides for exchanging documents in the case.

He said the tribunal had agreed to the continuation of a stay on an order requiring Mr Ahern to produce documents relating to financial advice from banking expert Paddy Strong pending the outcome of the hearing in April.

In the case, the Taoiseach is challenging three aspects of the tribunal's inquiries. He is arguing that the tribunal cannot question him about statements he made in the Dáil because such statements are constitutionally privileged.

He also claims advice given to his legal advisers by banking expert Paddy Strong is privileged. And he wants the tribunal to give him all its financial calculations and documentation relating to the tribunal's suggestion that lodgements of $45,000 and Stg£25,000 were made by Mr Ahern or on his behalf in late 1994.

The case is expected to last three days.


Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 July 2017
Govt Urged To Remove The Threat Of Workplace Tribunal Fees
SIPTU has called on the Government to remove the threat of workplace tribunal fees. Following a landmark ruling in the UK, which found that these charges mitigate against workers bringing such cases, the Government has been urged to amend legislation in order to remove the possibility of a minister introducing workplace tribunal fees.
02 April 2008
Ahern Wins High Court Hinder Of Tribunal
Bertie Ahern has won two significant victories over the Mahon Tribunal, hindering its powers. The Taoiseach's lawyers hammered out two major concessions at the High Court in Dublin on Tuesday, which could have a significant impact on the hearing.
01 April 2008
Ahern's Mahon Tribunal Challenge Begins At High Court
The Irish Taoiseach’s challenge to the Mahon Tribunal is due to begin on Tuesday. Bertie Ahern is taking the Tribunal to the High Court in an effort to restrict the tribunal’s scope to investigate, and to gain access to some of the tribunal’s own privy information.
30 July 2013
Testing Firm Fined Over Fatal 2006 Crash
A company has been fined €25,000 in connection with a bus crash that killed a 15-year-old boy in 2006. Vehicle testing company O'Reilly Commercials Ltd was issued the fine after a judge found that they had failed to "ensure passengers were not exposed to safety risks.
25 April 2016
WRC Launch Strategy Statement Promoting Early Resolution
The Workplace Relations Commission has launched its Strategy Statement, targeting reduced waiting times and promoting early resolution of disputes.