A judge has been told a large amount of behind-the-scenes work is taking place ahead of the trials of two former Anglo Irish Bank executives and its former chairman Sean FitzPatrick.
FitzPatrick (aged 64) of Whitshed Road, Greystones, William McAteer of Auburn Villas, Rathgar and Pat Whelan of Coast Road, Malahide have been charged with 16 counts of providing unlawful financial assistance to individuals in July 2008 to buy shares in the bank.
FitzPatrick did not attend today's brief pre-trial hearing.
The case was listed to "keep matters under observation".
Una Ni Raifeartaigh SC, prosecuting, told Judge Mary Ellen Ring that the parties are continuing to discuss matters.
The court heard there is a large amount of behind-the-scenes work on disclosure.
A trial date has been set for next January.
The case will be mentioned again on June 5 next. The three accused men are excused from attending court until any future order to the contrary.