A BLACK hole in the Fianna Fáil accounts in the final years of the Haughey era, when Padraig Flynn was treasurer of the party, will be explored at the next session of the Mahon tribunal, which begins on Tuesday week.

During Flynn's period as treasurer from December 1988 to January 1993, the party's debt escalated from around £1m to over £3m.

Flynn has been asked by the tribunal to account for almost £150,000 which has been discovered in his bank accounts.

Many of the leading Fianna Fáil figures from the time, including the current Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, will be called to give evidence as the tribunal delves into Gilmartin's claims.

Haughey is not on the list of nearly 40 witnesses although he played a key role in the events at issue.

The Gilmartin module will begin on Tuesday week with an opening statement by tribunal lawyers.

After that, Gilmartin will take the stand and is expected to be there for at least a week.

Almost 40 witnesses, including the Taoiseach and three members of the Flynn family, are scheduled to give evidence. Two of Flynn's key civil servants from 1989 Gerry Rice and Tom Troy, will also be called.