A date for hearing of an appeal by the State against a court decision to allow limited access to confidential Garda statements relating to the investigation into the murder of the journalist Veronica Guerin is likely to be fixed by the High Court next week.
The Supreme Court last month granted leave to the DPP to seek a judicial review of the Special Criminal Court's decision to grant access to the statements to lawyers for Mr Paul Ward, who is charged with the murder of Ms Guerin.
In court yesterday Mr Peter Charleton SC, for the DPP, indicated that the papers for the case were almost ready. He asked Mr Justice Lavan to put the matter into next Monday's list before Mr Justice Morris. The judge granted the application.
Mr Ward (33), from Windmill Park, Crumlin, is charged with the murder of Ms Guerin at the Naas Road, Clondalkin, on June 26th, 1996. He has denied the charge.
His trial opened at the Special Criminal Court last month, but was adjourned until June 10th to facilitate the judicial review hearing.
The State is seeking to prevent disclosure of 40 statements from 20 people made to gardai investigating the murder of Ms Guerin.