Disgraced government minister Ray Burke has pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts in relation to lodging false tax returns.

FORMER minister Ray Burke has launched a head-on legal challenge against the State to force taxpayers into footing his 10.5m legal bill from the Planning Tribunal.

DISGRACED former Fianna Fáil Justice Minister Ray Burke, who sold his house for almost €4 million in 2000 and received corrupt payments totalling at least £250,000 in the 1980s, will be seeking free legal aid to fight tax charges brought against him yesterday.

Former Justice Minister Ray Burke appeared in a Dublin court today charged with lodging a false tax claim.

DISGRACED former minister Ray Burke could face a tax bill of up to several million euro in relation to corrupt payments from property developers.

Gardai have reportedly raided the home of former government Minister, Ray Burke, as part of investigations into the interim Flood Tribunal report.