Slight reduction in Lawlor's legal bill

The legal bill faced by former Dublin West TD, Liam Lawlor, has been reduced slightly by the High Court Taxing Master.

Mr Lawlor faced a bill of around €647,000 for barristers' and solicitors' fees incurred by the Flood Tribunal during various High Court applications.

Following an appeal by Mr Lawlor, the Taxing Master reduced the award against him by €17,000. However, today's ruling by the Taxing Master may be appealed to the High Court.

Meanwhile, the Flood Tribunal has heard that Senator Don Lydon told Frank Dunlop to be careful what he said about politicians over the phone because the Tribunal was tapping it.

Mr Dunlop told the Tribunal that Senator Lydon requested the meeting after the Tribunal was established. Senator Lydon claims Mr Dunlop telephoned him to tell him he would be informing the Tribunal about political donations, but Mr Dunlop said it was the senator who phoned him.

In a statement this evening through his solicitors, Senator Lydon said he had been advised not to comment on Frank Dunlop's evidence to the Flood Tribunal. However, he added that he remained absolutely confident that when he gives his evidence to the Tribunal he will emerge with his personal and political integrity 'fully intact'.