17 January 2005 has been set as the date for the start of the Omagh relatives’ civil action against five men suspected of the Omagh bombing.
But after an hour-long hearing in Belfast today, Mr Justice Higgins decided the timing of the case would be reviewed again in two months' time.
The judge heard arguments from counsel who said they would apply for FBI spy David Rupert's evidence to be heard by video link from the USA.
Lawyers arguing such a decision was necessary for Mr Rupert’s safety pointed to what they called huge pressure on the security services during Michael McKevitt's trial in Dublin last year.
The preliminary hearing at the High Court in Belfast was to set out a timetable for the £10 million action against the men who allegedly carried out the August 1998 massacre.
As well as Michael McKevitt, Seamus Daly, Seamus McKenna, Liam Campbell and Colm Murphy are all being sued by the Omagh Victims' Civil Action Group.
