Two men appeared before a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court this evening charged with membership of a terrorist organisation and firearms offences.
Sean Farrell (26), of Kilfenora Road, Crumlin, is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation within the State namely Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the Irish Republican Army, otherwise the IRA on July 7th last.
Detective Garda Richard Newman, of Terenure Garda Station, told State Solicitor Ms Caroline Connolly that he formally arresting the accused at Terenure Road West today for the purposes of bringing him before the Special Criminal Court.
He told Ms Connolly that he explained in ordinary language to Farrell that he was arrested because gardai held a reasonable belief he was a member of an illegal organisation within the State. The court heard that Farrell made no reply.
Paul Maye (47), of Bride Road, Dublin 8, is charged with the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition at his home on July 7th, 2011.
The charges include the unlawful possession of a single barrel sawn-off shotgun, a Walther P1 9mm pistol and a semi-automatic pistol.
The accused was also charged with the unlawful possession of 90 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 8 shotgun rounds and 49 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
Detective Garda Michael Morris told Ms Connolly that Paul Maye was arrested at Shankhill garda station at 2pm today and made no reply when the charge was read over to him.
Neither of the two men applied for bail today, however lawyers representing both parties indicated that the issue would be addressed at the next hearing of the case.
Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler, sitting with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge William Hamill, remanded the two men in custody with liberty to apply for bail to appear in front of the non-jury court on Friday next.
Mr Justice Butler also recommended that Paul Maye, who is on prescribed medication, receive whatever medical aid required while in custody.