Watchdog concern as Mahon bill reaches €73m

THE Government’s financial watchdog is set to raise concerns over hidden costs for the Mahon Tribunal as the inquiry’s bills have now reached nearly €73 million.

Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG), John Purcell, said it was “very difficult” to estimate the cost of hidden liabilities which remain undecided by the tribunal inquiring into planning payments to politicians.

Tens of millions of euro in witness costs and their legal fees in recent years remain undecided by the inquiry and are yet to hit the taxpayer.