A garda has gone on trial accused of stealing more than €3,000 from the former justice minister.
Ciaran Folan (44) of Ramstown, Fethard-on-Sea, Co Wexford has pleaded not guilty to five counts of theft.
The offences are alleged to have happened "within the State" on dates between September 6th 2007 and January 31st 2008.
It is claimed Garda Folan - who at the time was based in Clifden, Co Galway - "procured unauthorised payments" from his then employer, the late Justice Minister Brian Lenihan.
Garda Folan is accused of stealing sums ranging from the lowest amount €357.78 to the highest amount €1,056 - which came to a total of €3,309.46.
A jury of eight women and four men has been sworn in to hear evidence in the trial at Limerick Circuit Court.
The jury has been told the trial is likely to last a week.
