The Rules of the Supreme Court (Northern Ireland) (Revision) 1980

Determination of question whether a person can or should be called as a witness

24.—(1) Where in any cause or matter a question arises whether any of the reasons specified in rule 22 applies in relation to a person particulars of whom are contained in a notice under rule 19, the Court may, on the application by summons of any party to the cause or matter, determine that question before the trial or hearing of the cause or matter or give directions for it to be determined before the trial or hearing and for the manner in which it is to be so determined.

(2) Unless the Court otherwise directs, the summons by which an application under paragraph (1) is made must be served by the party making the application on every other party to the cause or matter.

(3) Where any such question as is referred to in paragraph (1) has been determined under or by virtue of that paragraph, no application to have it determined afresh at the trial or hearing of the cause or matter may be made unless the evidence which it is sought to adduce in support of the application could not with reasonable diligence have been adduced at the hearing which resulted in the determination.