The tribunal was set up to to examine payments to former Fianna Fáil taoiseach Charles Haughey and former Fine Gael minister Michael Lowry

Then attorney general Patrick Connolly, who would resign months later after a murderer was arrested in his home, argued against the idea.

Seán Haughey, who is the son of former taoiseach Charles Haughey, has served as a councillor, senator, TD and minister of state during his time in politics

In 2018 the Independent TD successfully appealed a decision by the tribunal to only award him one third of the costs of his legal representation.