Flynn responds to call for information on payment allegations

The European Commissioner, Padraig Flynn, has responded to a written request from the Taoiseach for information about allegations that he was paid £50,000 by the property developer, Tom Gilmartin. According to newspaper reports, Mr Flynns' letter says that his legal team have advised him against making a statement about the allegations. However he says he has given all appropriate information to the Flood Tribunal, and is prepared to give evidence there. The Taoiseach is expected to disclose the contents of the letter to the Dáil on Tuesday.

Tom Gilmartin has alleged that he paid £50,000 to Padraig Flynn in 1989. The Dáil passed a motion calling on Padraig Flynn to make a statement clarifying his position and, two weeks ago, the Taoiseach wrote to him notifying him of that motion. Government sources have confirmed that Mr Flynn has now issued a one-page official response, which was received by fax on Wednesday. Those sources have declined to divulge the contents of the letter.

The Taoiseach is expected to read the letter into the record of the Dáil when he answers a parliamentary question on the matter on Tuesday. This morning the Progressive Democrats said they would not be commenting on the letter before Tuesday. Mr Ahern is due to travel to Brussels on Wednesday to meet the EU Commission President, Jacques Santer. It is thought that he will also meet Padraig Flynn, who is currently in the United States on EU business and is due back in Brussels on Wednesday.