The government is facing a High Court challenge to the terms of reference for an inquiry into how Gardaí handled the death of Patrick Nugent in Bunratty in 1984.
A judicial review could be sought into the terms of reference of a statutory inquiry into the investigation of his death, and three others.
23-year-old banqueting manager Patrick Nugent was fatally injured in the Folk Park near Bunratty Castle on February 10th, 1984.
His family have now fought for justice for over thirty years, and were granted a statutory inquiry into the investigation into his mysterious death in late 2015.
This legal challenge now focusses on the terms of reference into this inquiry, which covers the case of Patrick Nugent and three others.
Preliminary notice has been lodged by a Belfast-based solicitors who are representing the families, ahead of a potential High Court hearing.
The firm says the proposed terms of reference mark a failure to comply with obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, and is seeking a judicial review.
A spokesperson for the Justice Minister has rejected this, and it now seems likely that the case will end up in the High Court in the coming weeks.
