A Monaghan man who was arrested by detectives investigating the Omagh bombing was today charged in the Special Criminal Court in Dublin with membership of an unlawful organisation, the IRA.
Mr Seamus Daly (32) of Kilmurray, Culloville, Castleblaney is charged that between 29th April 1998 and 20th November 2000, both dates inclusive, within the State he was a member of an unlawful oganisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann otherwise the IRA, contrary to section 21 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939.
The accused is one of five men being sued in a civil action by relatives of the 1998 Omagh bombing in which 29 people were killed.
Security was tight inside and outside the Green Street courthouse as the accused arrived from Carrickmacross garda station under heavy garda escort at 12.10 p.m.
Garda David Forde of Carrickmacross station gave evidence of having arrested the accused in Castleblaney at 7.53 p.m. yesterday.
During a 10-minute hearing Garda Forde told the Special Criminal Court that he served Mr Daly with a copy of an arrest warrant issued by the court yesterday. The accused "ripped it up" he said.
Asked if he knew the accused the garda replied: "Yes My Lords, I have known Mr Daly for a number of years."
Garda Forde said he informed the accused that he was to be charged on the directions of the DPP with membership of an unlawful organisation after being detained overnight at Carrickmacross garda station.
The accused, wearing a dark track suit top, was served with a copy of the book of evidence as he sat in the dock. When asked if his name was Seamus Daly he nodded in reply.
The accused was remanded in custody until February 25th when a bail application will be made. Solicitor for the State said the State would oppose bail on that date.