An unmarried father battling to have his twin boys returned from England will learn tomorrow if his High Court action was successful.
A judgment, which was due to be delivered today, was postponed to the morning when it emerged not all parties concerned were present.
The landmark case, taken by a man known only as 'Mr G', is the first of its kind in the country. And if successful it could redefine the status of unmarried fathers in Irish law.
Mr Justice Liam McKechnie said it was essential everybody involved in the case have a reasonable opportunity to travel from England for the judgment.
Mr G, who cannot be named for legal reasons, took the case against his former partner who moved to Manchester with his two-year-old twin boys last December.
He claimed the toddlers were taken without warning and without his knowledge or consent. He is seeking to have the children returned to the state and his care.
But under Irish jurisdiction, an unmarried father has no rights unless he has been appointed a legal guardian. Former Tanaiste and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell is acting as senior counsel for Mr G.