Bailey extradition decision due today

The High Court will rule today if Ian Bailey can bring a Supreme Court challenge against an order for his extradition to France.

The former journalist is facing prosecution by the French authorities for the 1996 Cork murder of film maker Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

Ian Bailey's lawyers say the order allowing his extradition is unprecedented and heralds a stark new reality where every Irish citizen faces the possibility of prosecution in another jurisdiction.

Senior Counsel Martin Giblin argued that an Irish person involved in a traffic accident with a French tourist could be 'shipped off' to France to face charges, even if the DPP here decides not to prosecute.

He claims that Bailey's case raises points of exceptional public importance that should be considered by the Supreme Court.

The High Court is to rule today whether to allow the appeal go ahead.

The 54-year-old has always denied any involvement in the killing of Sophie Toscan du Plantier who was found beaten to death near her holiday home in Schull before Christmas in 1996.