Taoiseach to appear before tribunal in late July

The Mahon Tribunal has summoned the Taoiseach to give evidence at Dublin Castle later this month.

Bertie Ahern is due in the witness box on July 26 and 27, just before the tribunal breaks for summer holidays until the middle of September.

The inquiry is investigating allegations that the Mr Ahern received Irish £80,000 from Cork developer Owen O'Callaghan in relation to the development of Quarryvale in west Dublin.

He will also be quizzed about discrepancies in his explanation of several bank lodgements in the 1990s.

Elsewhere, Mr Ahern's former partner Celia Larkin and businessman Michael Wall are due to give evidence on July 25.

They will be asked about a cash payment of Stg £30,000 which Mr Wall says he gave to Ms Larkin in 1994.