The Special Criminal Court in Dublin is to hear an action in October by the relatives of the Omagh bomb victims seeking documentation to help their £10 million (€15 million) claim against those suspected of the 1998 atrocity.
Lawyers for the relatives 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, Seamus Daly, another man currently awaiting trial on explosives charges and the "Real IRA".
In the court yesterday lawyers for the men requested time to take instructions. Mr Michael Farrell, representing Mr Murphy, told the court his client would be applying for legal aid as he lacked the means to fund extensive applications.
McKevitt (54), Beech Park, Blackrock, Co Louth, was jailed for 20 years last August for directing the activities of a terrorist organisation and for membership of an illegal organisation.
Murphy (51), 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.
Campbell (41), Upper Faughart, Dundalk, Co Louth, was sentenced to eight years imprisonment last May for membership of the "Real IRA" on separate dates in 2000 and 2001.
Daly (33), Culloville, Co Monaghan, was jailed for 3½ years last May after he pleaded guilty to membership of the "Real IRA" on November 20th, 2000.
The Belfast court action is due to start next January.