Burke to hit State for 10.5m legal bill

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.

It was confirmed yesterday that the former Fianna Fáil TD has issued legal proceedings against several parties including the Tribunal, former chairman Mr Justice Feargus Flood, the Attorney General, and the Department of Environment. Despite last year’s landmark findings by Mr Justice Flood that Mr Burke had received a number of corrupt payments while holding ministerial office, he is still asking the State to pick up his legal bill.

While most parties involved in a public inquiry are normally entitled to their costs, it is usually dependent on providing full co-operation to with any investigation.