High Court to hear Lawlor's challenge to tribunal order

A challenge by Fianna Fail TD Mr Liam Lawlor to an order from the Flood Tribunal directing him to appear before it and answer…

A challenge by Fianna Fail TD Mr Liam Lawlor to an order from the Flood Tribunal directing him to appear before it and answer questions will be heard by the High Court next week.

On May 20th last Mr Justice Kelly granted leave to Mr Lawlor to bring proceedings aimed at overturning the tribunal order.

The judge returned the matter to yesterday, when it was adjourned until next week to enable Mr Lawlor to file a replying affidavit.

Mr Lawlor is seeking a declaration that he is entitled to be given sufficient details of the allegations made against him so that he may address them to the extent necessary and make detailed submissions.

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The West Dublin TD is also challenging a ruling that he give a tribunal solicitor an affidavit stating the names of any companies of which, between January 1st, 1977 and December 31st, 1994, he was a shareholder or director or in which he had a beneficial interest.

Mr Lawlor also wants to have overturned an order of the tribunal that he produce certain documents to a tribunal solicitor.

That order covers documents relating to accounts held by or on behalf of Mr Lawlor, whether in his own name or otherwise, in any bank, building society or other financial institution, within or without the State, between January 1st, 1987, and December 31st, 1994.

It also concerns documents and records relating to the payment to Mr Lawlor of any monies by Arlington Securities plc and/or Mr Thomas Gilmartin or by anybody on their behalf; and all documents and records relating to the negotiation of any cheques given to Mr Lawlor by or on behalf of Arlington Securities and/or Mr Thomas Gilmartin.

When deciding yesterday to list the case for hearing on Tuesday next, Mr Justice Kelly gave liberty to both sides to apply to the court in the event of anything unforeseen arising.

Mr Lawlor, of Somerton, Lucan, was first elected to the Dail in 1977. He was elected to Dublin County Council in 1979 and re-elected in 1983. He is a candidate in next week's local elections.