Book of evidence to be served on men accused of IRA membership

A book of evidence will be served before Christmas on two Dublin men charged with IRA membership, one of whom is also charged with extortion.

Derek Palmer (aged 54), of Corduff Green, Blanchardstown, is charged with making an unwarranted demand of Wayne Whitehouse with menaces, namely that he pay the sum of €50,000 or be killed.

Mr Palmer is also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation within the State styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on July 14 last.

Joe Clarke (aged 40), of Geraldstown Woods, Santry, is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation within the State styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on July 14 last.

The Special Criminal Court was today told that the book of evidence would be ready on December 21 in both cases.

Mr Justice Butler, sitting with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded Mr Clarke in custody and Mr Palmer on bail until that date.