A Dublin man, Mr Andrew Martin, is challenging an order for his extradition to Britain on charges of conspiracy to cause explosions and having an explosive device with intent to endanger life.
Mr Martin, a building worker of Buckingham Street, Dublin, claims it would be unjust, unfair, oppressive and invidious to extradite him because of a seven-year time lapse since the issuing of the extradition warrants.
It is also claimed that, in accordance with the accelerated prison-release terms of the Belfast Agreement, he could expect to be freed by July 28th and it would be "fruitless" to order his extradition.
The Garda Commissioner argues there has been no unjust delay in executing the warrants and also says it is for the Minister for Justice to specify whether a prisoner might be considered under the early-release terms of the Belfast Agreement.
Mr Martin was arrested on foot of two extradition warrants immediately after he was freed from Portlaoise Prison on March 28th, 1998, having served a five-year sentence for firearms offences.
On June 23rd, 1998, Dublin District Court ordered his extradition on foot of warrants alleging he had conspired with Nicholas Robert, Neil Mullen and others to cause explosions in Britain on dates between November 4th, 1988, and December 22nd, 1988, and that.
The hearing continues today before Mr Justice Herbert.
