Gilmartin illness sees tribunal postponed

DUE to the illness of key witness Tom Gilmartin, the Mahon Tribunal has been forced to abandon the rest of this week’s sittings.

On Wednesday, the tribunal agreed to allow Mr Gilmartin to give his evidence for three hours each day because of his age and previous history of ill-health.

Mr Gilmartin began his testimony on the current inquiry module on Tuesday. He is now expected to spend the next month in the witness box.

Requesting the shorter hours for Mr Gilmartin, his lawyer Jarlath Ryan BL said Mr Gilmartin was now 72 years old and had recently had a quadruple bypass operation.

Mr Ryan said the proceedings were taking a toll on Mr Gilmartin’s health.

“We are asking the tribunal to modify the times my client has to give evidence so that he can conserve his strength to rebut further allegations that have been made against him this week and to fully cooperate with the tribunal,” said Mr Ryan.

Inquiry chairman Judge Alan Mahon said the tribunal had information on Mr Gilmartin’s medical condition, but might ask for another medical report.