The wife of the late Liam Lawlor has today been granted representation at the Mahon tribunal.
Pat Russell, BL for Hazel Lawlor, also sought representation for the estate of Mr Lawlor, who was one of the key witnesses before the tribunal.
Mr Russell reminded the tribunal that there had been no finding against Mr Lawlor and that his family were keen that his good name be protected. "There is an onus on the tribunal to allow Mr Lawlor's name to be defended," Mr Russell said.
Justice Alan Mahon granted the estate representation through Ms Lawlor as represented by Mr Russell on an interim basis and said he would give the matter further consideration.
Mr Russell also sought access to documents relating to the Quarryvale II module that opened today and relevant documents from other modules. Justice Mahon said he would rule on the request, preferably before the Christmas recess.
Mr Russell also said Ms Lawlor felt it "ill-behooved" the tribunal to write to her in early November, weeks after her husband's death, to remind her that she was due before the tribunal as a witness.
He also said as she was newly widowed she had become a woman of "limited means" and was concerned about the cost of representation at the tribunal.
Mr Russell made an application for costs in advance but was refused. Justice Mahon said his "hands were tied" on the matter and and that she would be treated in the same was everyone else seeking costs.