The High Court will today resume hearing applications by lawyers for the former Taoiseach, Mr Charles Haughey, and members of his family, for various documents concerning the Moriarty tribunal to be made available to them.
The documentation is being sought in preparation for the constitutional challenge being taken by Mr Haughey, his wife Ms Maureen Haughey, daughter Ms Eimear Mulhern and sisters, Mr Ethna Haughey and Ms Maureen Haughey, to the right of the Moriarty tribunal to inquire into their affairs.
The proceedings are against the sole member of the tribunal, Mr Justice Michael Moriarty, Ireland, the Attorney General and the clerks of the Dail and Seanad.
Last Friday Mr Haughey's lawyers asked the High Court to direct that the Moriarty tribunal reveal to them the contents of a confidential letter sent to it by the Government Chief Whip.
The court was told the letter was in a strong-room to which only Mr Justice Moriarty and certain members of his staff had access. It is said to have clarified earlier correspondence from the tribunal which sought details of any payments in excess of £500 made to TDs and senators while they were members of the Oireachtas.
The clarification letter was provided under seal of confidence to the Chief Whip on behalf of current Fianna Fail members of the Oireachtas. Lawyers for the tribunal claimed that the letter is privileged. They also denied allegations by the Haughey side that it had redrawn its terms of reference.
The Haugheys want the court to order the tribunal chairman to produce all orders or requests for information by the tribunal, to any Government department or Dail deputy, seeking evidence or information concerning the Haughey family's affairs.
They also want all statements provided by any party from whom the tribunal had sought statements concerning them.
Today Mr Justice Geoghegan will resume hearing the applications for the orders of discovery.