Two college students arrested on suspicion of computer hacking have been charged with criminal damage to the Fine Gael party website.
Darren Martyn, 21, from Cloonbeggin, Claregalway, Galway, and 20-year-old Donncha O Cearrbhail from The Ring, Birr in Co Offaly, appeared before Dublin District Court.
Mr Martyn is studying at NUI Galway and Mr O Cearrbhail, the son of Offaly Independent Councillor John Carroll, is a Trinity College student.
They have been charged with criminal damage to the Fine Gael website on 9 January 2011.
There was no objection to bail or legal aid being granted to the two men at the hearing at Dublin District Court.
Judge Patricia McNamara ordered gardaí to furnish documents sought by defence lawyers and remanded the pair on bail to appear again in July when they will be expected to indicate how they intend to plead to the charges.
Detectives told the judge that the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided that the accused should be tried by "summary disposal" at district court level, only if they plead guilty.
This means that if they are contesting the charges they are to be tried before a judge and jury in a Circuit Criminal Court, which, on conviction, can impose tougher sentences.
