Tribunal facing further delays due to Dunlop absence

The Mahon Tribunal is facing further delays, with key witness Frank Dunlop unable to attend until early July for medical reasons.

The former Government Press Secretary was due to give evidence next week.

His absence means the tribunal is unlikely to hold any hearings next week unless other witnesses can be found at short notice.

Meanwhile property developer Tom Gilmartin has apologised to Minister for Enterprise Micheal Martin for a mistaken allegation made at the Mahon Tribunal last week.

Mr Gilmartin said last Friday that rival developer Owen O'Callaghan told him he paid a six-figure sum to Mr Martin in the 1990s.

However, he clarified yesterday that it was actually a five-figure sum and apologised for the mistake.

He has been answering questions today about a payment of €40,000 allegedly given to former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds in 1992 or 1993.

Mr Gilmartin claims he was told by an anonymous source that Cork developer Owen O'Callaghan had made the payment to Mr Reynolds.