Mahon to reveal decision on action against Irish Times

The Mahon Tribunal is due to reveal today if it plans to take any action against the Irish Times over the newspaper's articles about payments to the Taoiseach.

The articles were based on confidential information leaked from the tribunal.

Last week, the newspaper's editor Geraldine Kennedy and journalist Colm Keena refused to reveal the source of the leak and said they had destroyed the relevant documentation.

Ms Kennedy also defended her decision to publish the story, saying she felt it was of significant public interest.

However, tribunal chairman Alan Mahon said the Irish Times was aware of a Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the publication of confidential information.

He is due to decide today whether to refer the matter to the High Court or the DPP after warning Ms Kennedy and Mr Keena that there could be fines or imprisonment for refusing to answer questions.