Former minister for justice Ray Burke told the tribunal yesterday he played no role in the granting of Irish citizenship to Faten Moubarak in May 1990.
Mr Burke told Jacqueline O'Brien SC, for the tribunal, that he was appointed minister for justice in July 1989 and served until February 1992.
He said the first time he saw the file on the application was when it was shown to him in preparation for his appearance before the tribunal. He did not make the decision to grant naturalisation and did not help process the application.
The only note on the file concerning a decision was one from Cathal Crowley recording the decision of the taoiseach, Charles Haughey.
Asked by Ms O'Brien if he had been aware of the case, he said he had been briefed on it by the then head of the security division in the Department of Justice, Stephen Magnier. He had been strongly advised that due to the complications that existed, he should not involve himself with the file, and he took that advice.
He said that some time later he was informed by Mr Magnier that the naturalisation certificate had in fact been granted but by then it was a "historical" issue.
He said he "may" have been told the decision had been taken by Mr Haughey but his recollection wasn't clear.
Asked if he'd had any dealings with Mr Haughey in relation to the matter, he said: "Absolutely not." The tribunal adjourned until a date to be decided.