The Dutch Justice Minister has ruled that a Dublin man, Mr Brian Meehan, should be extradited from Holland to face charges in relation to the murder of the journalist, Veronica Guerin.
However, a deadline of next Monday evening has been set for Mr Meehan to lodge a final appeal. Ms Winnie Sorgdrager's decision, announced yesterday, upheld the two previous rulings made by the Amsterdam District Court and the Dutch Supreme Court in the Hague.
Mr Meehan is allowed under Dutch law to object to ministerial decisions in summary proceedings before a presiding judge in the Hague. A spokesman for the Dutch Justice Ministry said it was "highly probable" that Mr Meehan will opt for a final appeal.
If no appeal is lodged then arrangements would be put in place "as soon as possible" to have Mr Meehan returned to Ireland.
Mr Meehan (32) is facing 18 charges, including murder and the importation of drugs and weapons. He was arrested in Amsterdam last October.
At his first hearing Mr Meehan argued that he would be denied a fair trial in Ireland because of adverse media publicity. His lawyer claimed the charges against him are too vague.
The court heard that gardai believed Mr Meehan, from Stanaway Road in Crumlin, was the driver of the motorcycle used in Ms Guerin's shooting.