Mahon tribunal defers decision on Lawlor costs

The Mahon tribunal has deferred its decision on the issue of costs relating to Mr Liam Lawlor's non-compliance with its investigation.

In a ruling delivered this morning, Judge Alan Mahon said he had considered all submissions on costs relating to the inquiry into Mr Lawlor's compliance with the tribunal's order of discovery of March 12th last.

The tribunal ruled on September 24th that Mr Lawlor had failed to comply with this order.

Judge Mahon said he accepted the case that the issue was open to litigation under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Amendment Act) 1997.

He said all the affected parties wished the matter to be deferred, and he felt it "appropriate" to do so.

He said he had considered applications from both the Minister for Finance and Mr Lawlor in making his decision.

Costs will now be decided at a later, unspecified date.