8th October 2003:As a result of media enquiries made of me, I have this afternoon been informed that Phoenix magazine will publish an article in tomorrow's edition which will refer to a settlement reached by me with the Revenue Commissioners in 1992.
I have not seen the article nor have I been contacted by this magazine. However, I confirm that I did enter into such a settlement in 1992, full details of which were published by the Revenue Commissioners and widely circulated in the national media at that time.
At the request of the Revenue Inspector, all records were voluntarily provided by me and upon audit a shortfall in my tax payment was established. The settlement involved the payment by me of £20,000 which included payment of interest on the tax due. The payment was made as a result of a miscalculation of my tax liability in one year in the late 1980's which became evident following upon a subsequent Revenue audit.
The shortfall and payment of tax did not involve or arise from the use by me of any undisclosed bank accounts or records.
Prior to my appointment as a Judge, I disclosed the fact that I had concluded the above tax settlement with the Revenue Commissioners in my written application to the Judicial Appointments Commission.
Alan P. Mahon S.C., Chairman.