Govt pays €7.7m to Global Crossing

The government has paid €7.7m to Global Crossing under the terms of its existing €126m contract with the company, according to reports.

It was claimed that despite the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of the company's parent in the US and uncertainty of the future of the business in Europe, that the payment was sanctioned by minister for communications, marine and natural resources, Mr Dermot Ahern.