The High Court has dismissed an application to extradite former Worker’s Party president Sean Garland to the United States for his alleged involvement in a sophisticated counterfeiting operation.
Authorities in America had sought the extradition of Mr Garland (76), of Beldonstown, Brownstown, Navan, Co Meath, to face charges relating to the production of high-quality counterfeit US dollars.
The operation was allegedly carried out with the collusion of the government of North Korea.
In a brief hearing this morning, Mr Justice John Edwards said that the court was not disposed to grant the application and will furnish its reasons for doing so on January 13th next.
A spokesman for Mr Garland said he was extremely relieved and delighted with today's ruling.