Gardaí will today meet French officers who have arrived in Ireland to pursue their investigation into the murder of French film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier in west Cork more than 18 years ago.
The three French officers will travel to Bandon Garda station to meet senior gardaí heading the Irish investigation into the murder.
It is understood French magistrate Judge Patrick Gachon has sought permission to interview up to 20 witnesses in the case. However, it is entirely up to these people if they wish to meet the French, who have no powers to compel them.
The list of witnesses includes civilians and retired gardaí involved in the original investigation. It is believed the interviews would take place in Garda stations where the French could record them.
The visit is the second by the French investigation team. Five officers, including forensic specialists, interviewed approximately 30 witnesses in the case in October 2011.
That visit followed an earlier one in June 2009 when Judge Gachon, accompanied by another French magistrate, Judge Nathalie Dutartre, came to west Cork. They visited the scene of the murder and met senior gardaí leading the investigation.
Ms Toscan du Plantier (39) had been on a visit to her holiday home at Dreenane, Toomore, Schull, when she was attacked and bludgeoned to death on December 23rd, 1996.
