The chairman of the planning tribunal, Judge Alan Mahon, declined to comment yesterday on his tax settlement with the Revenue Commissioners in the 1990s.
"All is said," was his response when asked by journalists to answer questions as he arrived at the tribunal in Dublin Castle.
Yesterday's hearing then proceeded as normal with the hearing of evidence from Mr John Caldwell, who described himself as a specialist in taxation.
Judge Mahon had provided the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board with details of his tax affairs when he applied for a vacancy as a judge in 2001, according to sources. This was before he was approached by the Government to serve on the planning tribunal. As part of this arrangement, he was appointed to the Circuit Court
When Judge Mahon first sought a judicial position, the board approved his application and forwarded his name on a list of candidates to the Government.
Among those sitting on the board at this time was the then attorney general, Mr Michael McDowell, and the present Attorney General, Mr Rory Brady. However, another candidate was chosen to fill the position.
Later, when he was approached in late 2001/early 2002 to join the tribunal, he was appointed without any requirement to submit a new application.
