The Fianna Fail committee investigating payments to its politicians is hoping for a third meeting today with the Dublin West TD, Mr Liam Lawlor, before completing its report for publication tomorrow.
However, The Irish Times has learned that Mr Lawlor is in the US and there was uncertainty last night whether he would be available to meet the investigation team. He has sought a pairing from the whip's office for today's Dail business.
The five-man Fianna Fail Standards in Public Life Committee is hoping to put the finishing touches to its report late tonight, even if it does not get to talk again to Mr Lawlor.
He has met the committee twice to discuss substantial payments to him by political lobbyist Mr Frank Dunlop and others. It is understood the committee is not happy it has been given all the information sought. Mr Lawlor has denied to the committee that he received £40,000 in cash in a plastic bag in 1991. However, he is understood to have told it he received just under £40,000 from Mr Dunlop in consultancy fees in the mid-1990s.
The report, including recommendations, is expected to be published and given to the Taoiseach and the Fianna Fail parliamentary party at its weekly meeting tomorrow. It will also be sent to the Flood tribunal.
If the inquiry produces serious evidence of any wrongdoing, clear action by Fianna Fail would be necessary to avoid a Government crisis.
The five-member committee is chaired by Dr Rory O'Hanlon, the chairman of the Fianna Fail parliamentary party. The other members are the former minister for foreign affairs, Mr David Andrews, backbenchers Mr Michael Ahern and Mr Dick Roche and party general secretary Mr Martin Macken.