The inquest into the death of Belfast mother Jean McConville was formally opened but then adjourned at Dundalk Coroner's Court yesterday, over 30 years after she was abducted and murdered by the IRA.
Mrs McConville, who was described in court as possibly the most famous of the "disappeared", was a 37-year-old widow and mother of 10 children when she was taken from her home in December 1972. Her remains were not found until last August on Shelling Hill beach outside Dundalk.
Addressing the McConville family in court yesterday, Louth County Coroner, Mr Ronan Maguire, said he was aware of the family's concern as to whether their mother had remained in the same place after 1972. He hoped to address that and any other concerns they had.
Mr Maguire also stated that the inquest or inquiry into her death did not fall into the ambit of the Criminal Justice Location of Victims Remains Act 1999, because the remains were not found during the garda searches. He said the relevance was that the Act prevents any forensic examination of remains for any purpose other than identification.
It also prohibits any evidence found directly or indirectly, within or outside the State being admissible in a criminal prosecution.
He said an inquest is not a public inquiry and cannot address the question of criminal or civil liability.
"But having said that, I intend to conduct as full an inquiry as possible" he added.
The court was told by Mr Jim Sheridan, a solicitor for six of the nine living McConville children, that an independent forensic examination of documents was underway and the adjournment was being sought with the consent of eight of the nine children to allow this be completed.
The court also heard that the family wanted a forensic examination of a bullet carried out. Mr Maguire advised that they direct that request to the forensic section of the gardaí.
The family also wants more time to examine garda depositions or statements which were prepared for the inquest. Mr Maguire adjourned the inquest until April 5th next.
Afterwards Mr Michael McConville, speaking on behalf of the family, said they had sought the adjournment.
"We've waited 31 years, another six weeks won't harm us." He said the family had consulted experts because they wanted to get as close to the truth as possible.
"We know we are not going to get the whole truth but as close as possible - that's what we want."