Disclosure damaging for Government

THE revelation that the chairman of the Planning Tribunal, Judge Alan Mahon, had made a tax settlement with the Revenue Commissioners prior to applying for a position as a judge, is acutely embarrassing from his personal viewpoint and politically damaging for the Government.

On the face of it, neither the probity nor integrity of the judge are in question. He admits that the payment of £20,000 (€25,394.76) was made, including interest on the tax due.

He disclosed to the Judicial Appointments Committee when he was being considered for the position of judge that he made the tax settlement with the Revenue Commissioners in 1992.