Telephone numbers? No, the tribunal’s bills

PORING over the eight-digit figure for the tribunal’s bills, you’d be forgiven for thinking that numerous third-party expenses which make it up were a type of algebra equation.

But euro upon euro do add up, all eventually coming from the public purse.

It’s more than 10 years since the Mahon Tribunal began its trawl through politicians’ bank accounts and scrutiny of planning decisions. Much has been made about its own lawyers’ fees, but little has been said about the blank cheque granted to third parties.