INDEPENDENT TD MICHAEL Lowry has been charged with three counts relating to the alleged filing of incorrect tax returns.

In a statement, Lowry said he intends to “vigorously contest” the allegations by the Revenue Commissioners, which related to tax returns filed in 2003 and 2007.

He said that the matters before court related to “technical breaches”. “My lawyers have advised that I have a full defence to the allegations,” he said.

RTE reports that Lowry did not appear in Thurles District Court today when the case was heard but was represented by a solicitor.

Lowry, of Glenreigh, Holycross in Tipperary,  said that he and his company had been advised by their auditors and accountants that both Lowry’s personal tax affairs and those of the company were in order and compliant.

“In view of Revenue’s stance I then sought a second, professional opinion,” he said.

“I engaged a leading group of taxation consultants to carry out a review of my tax affairs. That company completed its analysis and confirmed to me in writing that they concurred with the work of my auditors and stated that neither I personally, nor my company, has any financial liability on the matters pursued by Revenue through the courts”.

Michael Lowry was initially charged in December with one charge of knowingly filing an incorrect tax return in 2003.

Lowry is a former Fine Gael TD and also served as Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications between 1994 and 1996.