Lawlor due before Flood over discovery issues

Former Fianna Fáil TD Mr Liam Lawlor is due to appear at the Flood tribunal next Tuesday in relation to the discovery of documents, it emerged today.

Mr Lawlor has been to prison three times, for a total of six weeks, for not co-operating with the tribunal.

The tribunal took Mr Lawlor to the High Court for failing to adequately and properly comply with the discovery orders. Mr Lawlor has always maintained that he has cooperated fully with the tribunal.

Liam Lawlor, due to appear at the Flood tribunal next Tuesday

Before the tribunal can sit, the Oireachtas must approve the appointment of Judge Alan Mahon as its new chairman.

This follows the resignation of Mr Justice Flood as chairman last Friday.

However, Labour leader Mr Pat Rabbitte has tabled an amendment to the Government motion on the appointment of a new chairman.

The amendent would allow the tribunal the option of having each of the three judges sit "in parallel" to deal with specific or limited areas of its work.

Mr Rabbitte said: "A principal aim of the amendment was to reduce delays in the tribunal conducting its business and consequently significantly cut legal costs".

The motion and amendment will be taken in the Dáil later today.