Terence McCafferty, 47, sought a judicial review after he was unsatisfied with the two barristers identified to represent him in a separate case where a closed material procedure (CMP) will be used for the first time in Northern Ireland.

The CMP is being sought by British authorities in a case where Mr McCaffety is suing the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

It would involve sensitive intelligence documents being assessed by a judge and a special advocate barrister representing Mr McCafferty’s interests.

Mr McCafferty has said he wants to be represented in the closed section of proceedings by Belfast-based barrister Gerald Simpson QC.

Mr Justice Stephens agreed to allow a full hearing to take place in March.

Mr McCafferty’s solicitor, Claire McKeegan of KRW Law, told The Irish News after the hearing: “In circumstances where our client is to be excluded from crucial parts of his case it is vital that he has confidence in the Special Advocate who is tasked with representing his interests in the course of the closed hearings.

“Mr Simpson QC has acted for our client in this capacity previously and has viewed all of the security sensitive material.”