The Taoiseach's former secretary, Gráinne Carruth, broke down at the Mahon Tribunal today after saying she now accepts she lodged sterling on his behalf.
But when Ms Carruth insisted she did not remember making the lodgements for Bertie Ahern she was warned that it is a criminal offence to lie to the tribunal.
The Mahon Tribunal has uncovered evidence that £15,500 sterling cash was lodged to Bertie Ahern's building society accounts and those of his daughters in 1994.
This has contradicted Mr Ahern's evidence that the money came from salary cheques.
Gráinne Carruth previously denied to the tribunal that she ever handled sterling on Mr Ahern's behalf or lodged any money to his account.
She now accepts 'on the balance of probability' that she lodged sterling after seeing documentation from 1994, but says she does not remember it.
Des O'Neill SC told her that to lie to or obstruct the tribunal is an offence punishable with a fine of up to €300,000 or two years imprisonment.
When he asked Ms Carruth why she had not contacted Mr Ahern when she received documentation from the tribunal showing she had been involved in sterling lodgements on his behalf, Ms Carruth replied that she was upset.
She became emotional and said she wanted to go home.
Chairman Judge Alan Mahon said Ms Carruth should be allowed a short break.
