A former Garda Chief Superintendent has admitted that he did not ask to see the bank accounts of George Redmond and Liam Lawlor during a corruption investigation.
Thomas Brendan Burns cleared both men of wrongdoing 14 years ago and stated in his report that those involved in the planning process were honest and law abiding.
Mr Burns says he did not think it would be right to ask to see bank accounts. However, he said if Tom Gilmartin had made a formal statement of complaint, he could have got a search warrant.
He denied that it was bizarre for gardaí to talk to Mr Gilmartin and not ask him to name names. He added that, according to garda procedure, it was for Mr Gilmartin to provide the details.
The former Chief Superintendent denied that the reason Mr Lawlor was not even interviewed was because he was a TD. In his report, Mr Burns stated that the allegations against Mr Lawlor had been fully delved into.
Mr Redmond was also cleared of wrongdoing after what was described as a thorough investigation was carried out. Mr Redmond was not asked about Mr Gilmartin's allegations.
Lawyers for the tribunal said that at the time of the investigation, Mr Redmond had over £400,000 in cash and Mr Lawlor was getting £3,500 a month from a British property company.
Mr Burns said it could have been libellous to put corruption allegations to either man.
