The Special Criminal Court reserved judgment today after a four-day preliminary hearing in the case against alleged "Real IRA" leader Mr Michael McKevitt.
The one-time IRA quartermaster (51) is the first person to be charged with directing terrorism under the terms of legislation introduced after the 1998 Omagh bomb, when 29 people died and more than 200 others were injured. He is also charged with membership of an illegal organisation.
The court's three judges were told earlier this week of "very real" police fears for the safety of the chief witness against Mr McKevitt, American Mr David Rupert, who was recruited to provide information for both the FBI and the British intelligence services.
In an historic first, the judges heard evidence from Britain's ambassador to Ireland, Sir Ivor Roberts.
The proceedings dealt with a defence request for the further disclosure of material relating to testimony of Mr Rupert, who was claimed to have demanded a $2 million deal for relaying the requested information.
But Sir Ivor said the handing over of some documents could damage national and international security and also run counter to anti-terrorist measures.
Defence counsel Mr Hugh Hartnett, who completed his submission to the court today, claimed Mr Rupert had a long-time criminal involvement.
The court is expected to rule on the documents issue on October 24th. The trial of Mr McKevitt, who has also been charged with membership of an illegal organisation, is likely to begin in February.
PA