Haughey gives evidence in private because of his medical condition

MrCharles Haughey attended the Moriarty tribunal in Dublin Castle on Thursday and yesterday to give evidence in private.

MrCharles Haughey attended the Moriarty tribunal in Dublin Castle on Thursday and yesterday to give evidence in private.

The former Taoiseach was scheduled to begin giving evidence on Tuesday but his appearance was deferred. He is giving evidence "on commission" because of his medical condition, and transcripts of the evidence will later be read into the public record.

It is understood he is being questioned about the Fianna Fail party leader's account. Donations intended for the treatment of the late Mr Brian Lenihan were among the funds lodged to the account.

The questioning, in the presence of the tribunal chairman, Mr Justice Moriarty, follows Mr Haughey's decision not to mount a court challenge to the tribunal's order that he must continue giving evidence despite his medical condition.

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Mr Haughey is giving evidence for one hour each morning. Mr Justice Moriarty in his ruling said he should give evidence on only four mornings a week, in recognition of his age and medical condition.

The tribunal was expected to finish hearing evidence early this year but has not resumed in public as early as intended. It last sat in public on December 22nd, when evidence was heard from Mr Haughey's daughter, Ms Eimear Mulhern.

When it does resume it will hear evidence concerning the Revenue Commissioners' performance in raising taxes due from former Fine Gael minister, Mr Michael Lowry.

Colm Keena

Colm Keena

Colm Keena is an Irish Times journalist. He was previously legal-affairs correspondent and public-affairs correspondent