Burke to be quizzed on Barry friendship

Former Justice Minister Ray Burke will face further questions today at the Flood Tribunal about his friendship with concert promoter Oliver Barry.

The tribunal heard yesterday that Mr Barry discussed the formation of a consortium for a national radio licence with Gay Byrne in 1987, ten days before the government published its intention to seek applications.

Questioned at length yesterday, Mr Burke said he does not know how Mr Barry could have known about the national licence in advance.

The tribunal was told that Mr Barry was a close friend and constituent of Mr Burke, but Mr Burke denied notifying him advance.

The tribunal also heard that arrogance in the RTE newsroom in the mid-1980s prompted the government to set up an alternative broadcasting environment.