Mahon Tribunal barred from examining Fitzwilton payment

THE Mahon Tribunal has no jurisdiction to hold a public hearing on £30,000 made by the Fitzwilton Group as a political contribution to Fianna Fáil, the Supreme Court ruled yesterday.

The June 1989 payment was made via the then Minister Ray Burke for the Fianna Fáil party.

The five judge Supreme Court in a unanimous decision said the Planning Tribunal had failed to comply with a part of its amended terms of reference and has no jurisdiction to hold a public hearing in relation to the £30,000 Fitzwilton module.