The head of the Garda Special Branch told the Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday that he believed two Dublin men were members of the IRA.
Det Chief Supt Philip Kelly said he believed Mr Niall Binead and Mr Kenneth Donohoe were members of the IRA on October 11th, 2002. He also told Mr George Birmingham SC, prosecuting, that he believed they were members before October 11th, 2002.
Mr Binead (35), also known as Niall Bennett, of Faughart Road, Crumlin, and Mr Kenneth Donohoe (26), Sundale Avenue, Mountain View, Tallaght, have both pleaded not guilty to membership of the IRA.
Det Chief Supt Kelly told the court that he was in charge of the Special Detective Unit (Special Branch) and that its business was the security of the State and monitoring subversive organisations and unlawful activity.
He was asked his opinion about each of the accused. He said he believed Mr Binead and Mr Donohoe were members of the IRA on October 11th, 2002.
His belief was based on confidential information available to him and was not based on events at Corke Abbey, Bray, Co Wicklow, on the date in question, he said.
The trial continues today.