Banking expert can be questioned on lodgments

THE Mahon Tribunal is entitled to question Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s banking expert Paddy Stronge about his view that the tribunal has advanced incorrect suggestions about the nature of lodgments to bank accounts of Mr Ahern, counsel for Mr Ahern agreed yesterday.

Mr Stronge had compiled a report which had been given to the tribunal last October and the tribunal was entitled to question him about how he reached his conclusions, Brian Murray SC, for Mr Ahern said.

However, the tribunal was also effectively seeking the solicitor/client file relating to all the involvement of Mr Stronge in the case, including meetings with lawyers attended by Mr Stronge, and the tribunal was not entitled to those documents (the Stronge documents) as they were privileged.