Beverley Cooper-Flynn denies tax evasion

Updated: 18:52, Tuesday, 10 February 2004

Fianna Fáil Deputy Beverley Cooper-Flynn has denied engaging in or assisting with tax evasion.

Beverley Cooper Flynn Set to address Dáil Beverley Cooper Flynn Set to address Dáil

In a statement responding to allegations made against her over the weekend, she said he had not set up a bogus non-resident account and had not engaged in any way in tax evasion.

She said the allegations made against her were false and unfounded.

In detailing how she had helped her parents invest £25,000, she said she had not been told of the source of that money, nor had she asked.

Ms Cooper-Flynn went on: On Friday 6th I issued a statement denying any personal wrong-doing.

In 1998 I made a declaration to the Tribunal and answered each of the written questions. None of the questions put to me related to the investments of Padraig Flynn.

On 17 December 2003 the Tribunal asked me if I had any documents relating to Bank accounts of Padraig Flynn and my mother Dorothy Flynn and I confirmed that I did not.

In January this year the Tribunal asked me for a narrative about my dealings with such bank accounts, which has been submitted to the Tribunal, via my soloictors, earlier today.

In submitting that narrative I consider that I have fulfilled my ongoing obligations to the Tribunal as a citizen and as a public representative.

In relation to the TV story and subsequent media stories about me I confirm that the only bank accounts which I dealt with on behalf of Padraig and Dorothy Flynn were accounts they held with National Irish Bank.

Ahern denies delaying Flood

The Taoiseach earlier told the Dáil neither he nor his legal team received a letter from the Mahon Tribunal, relating to an alleged promise to supply documents back in 1999.

In reply to questions, he said former minister Pádraig Flynn had not offered to repay £50,000 which he received from builder Tom Gilmartin, to the party.

Bertie Ahern said Fianna Fáil had readmitted Mr Flynn's daughter, Deputy Beverley Cooper-Flynn, on the basis that she had appealed the decision in the court case against her.

His comments come after the Government agreed to allow statements and questions on the issues arising from the Mahon Tribunal.

Opposition deputies had demanded the opportunity to question Mr Ahern and Ms Cooper-Flynn in the Dáil.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said he did not accept the Government's line that it was not appropriate to discuss matters before the Mahon Tribunal in the Dáil.

Yesterday, Mr Ahern rejected allegations that he delayed the work of the tribunal by withholding documents. He said the allegations were 'unfounded and absurd'.

Live Player

  • Next
  • 11:00 - 13:05

    Sinn Fein Ard Fheis

  • 13:05 - 13:15

    RTÉ News and Weather

  • Later
  • 16:00 - 16:10

    Nuacht RTÉ

  • 17:20 - 18:00

    Sinn Fein Ard Fheis: The Leader's Speech