The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is facing a storm of controversy this morning following reports that he knew of Justice Fergus Flood's plans to resign as chairman of the Flood Tribunal a month before he told the Dáil.

The Taoiseach has declared this evening that Justice Fergus Flood's resignation last week was in the best interests of the Planning and Payments Tribunal.

The first report of the Flood Tribunal on planning and payments is due to be published today.

The Government has appointed three extra lawyers to the Flood Tribunal’s inquiry team, a year after tribunal chairman Justice Fergus Flood requested the extra help.

The Government is to consider appointing lay people to assist Justice Fergus Flood in his inquiries into planning irregularities.