The Special Criminal Court in Dublin has further adjourned an application by relatives of the Omagh bomb victims, who are seeking documentation to help their £10 million claim against those suspected of carrying out the 1998 atrocity.
Lawyers for the relatives have applied to the court for transcripts and books of evidence relating to a number of recent trials at the court involving men who are named in the Belfast High Court action.
The relatives are taking the action against Michael McKevitt, Liam Campbell, Colm Murphy, Séamus Daly, another man currently awaiting trial on explosives charges and the "Real IRA".
The Belfast court action is due to start next January. Former FBI agent Mr David Rupert, who gave evidence in the trial of "Real IRA" leader Michael McKevitt in Dublin last year, will be one of the witnesses called by the relatives' legal team.
The Omagh bombing which was admitted by the "Real IRA", killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured more than 300 in August 1998. It was the worst single atrocity during the Troubles.
Michael McKevitt (54), Beech Park, Blackrock, Co Louth, was jailed for 20 years in August 2003 for directing the activities of a terrorist organisation and for membership of an illegal organisation.
Colm Murphy (51), Jordan's Corner, Ravensdale, Co Louth, was jailed for 14 years in January 2002 after he was convicted of conspiracy to cause an explosion between August 13th and 16th, 1998.
Liam Campbell (41), Upper Faughart, Dundalk, Co Louth, was sentenced to eight years imprisonment last May for membership of the "Real IRA" on dates in 2000 and 2001.
Séamus Daly (33), Culloville, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, was jailed for 3½ years last May after he pleaded guilty to membership of the "Real IRA" on November 20th, 2000.
Yesterday the Special Criminal Court heard that the men named in the application had been refused legal aid from the Minister for Justice and the Attorney General and had now applied to the Civil Legal Aid Board.
Mr Paul Anthony McDermott, for the Omagh relatives, asked the court to fix a date for the hearing of the application.
Mr James McGuill, solicitor and Mr Michael Farrell, solicitor, who appeared for the named men, told the court that the men had been refused legal aid and had now applied to the Civil Legal Aid Board which was "actively considering" their application.
Mr Justice Johnson, presiding, fixed November 8th as the next date for mention of the application.