Leinster House layout probe

THE Mahon Tribunal is to examine floor plans of Leinster House in the 1980s to decide if a description Tom Gilmartin gave of a meeting there is consistent with the layout of the building at the time.

Mr Gilmartin has given the tribunal a detailed account of the corridors he passed through, the lift he travelled in and offices he was brought into in February 1989 when he says he met nine government ministers, including Bertie Ahern, before being approached by a mystery man who demanded £5 million from him to support his retail park plans.

Conor Maguire SC, representing Mr Ahern, told the tribunal such a physical description did not exist in Leinster House and said there were plans to prove it. Judge Alan Mahon said the tribunal would consult the Office of Public Works to have the plans made available for examination.