The Supreme Court has ruled that Liam Lawlor is liable for all costs in his legal action against the Flood Tribunal. The costs are estimated at £300,000.
The Dublin West TD is due to begin a seven-day prison sentence on 2 January after the Supreme Court last week dismissed his appeal against a High Court sentence for non-compliance with the enquiry. He is due to spend Christmas in New York with his son and daughter-in-law.
Meanwhile, lawyers for the builders Brennan and McGowan have suggested that money held in Ray Burke's "political fund" should be given to charity. The suggestion was made at this morning's sitting of the Flood Tribunal.
In his closing submission, Senior Counsel for the builders, Martin Hayden, said there had been a great reluctance on the part of Fianna Fáil in relation to this £118,000, advanced down the years for Ray Burke and Fianna Fáil.
Given the absolute reluctance of politicians to get involved, he said, it was his client's wish that the money be distributed among three charities.
They were suggesting the St Vincent de Paul and the National Children's Hospital and they wished the Chairman to nominate a third charity.
Ray Burke has referred to this money on countless occasions during his evidence. At one stage tribunal counsel, Patricia Dillon, remarked that she had stopped counting after fifty.
The former Minister has insisted that the money is still there and now that he is out of politics, he will never benefit from it.
He said that he was receiving advice from his accountants as to what best to do with it. The Tribunal has now adjourned.
