Gormley defends tribunal

Minister for the Environment John Gormley has dismissed comments by fellow Minister Willie O'Dea to the effect that the Mahon tribunal was overstepping its remit in investigating the Taoiseach's finances.

Remarking that the comments had been made in Mr O'Dea's capacity "as a journalist, or a columnist with a Sunday newspaper", Mr Gormley said "integrity had never been an issue for the tribunal".

However Mr Gormley declined to answer questions about his satisfaction with Mr Ahern's appearance before the tribunal. He said "it would be entirely wrong for a serving Minister" to make comments on a Taoiseach's evidence.

Meanwhile, Bertie Ahern refused to answer any questions about his upcoming tribunal appearance. Asked if he knew when he will have to return to the tribunal, Mr Ahern, who is due to spend up to two more days answering questions, said: "I have no control over those things, so I am not going to talk about them."