The action alleging defamation taken against RTÉs Prime Time Investigates by the former Archbishop of Benin, Irishman Richard Burke is now at an advanced stage.
A member of St Patricks Missionary Society from Tipperary, Dr Burke claims the Mission to Prey programme that grossly defamed Fr Kevin Reynolds also falsely accused him of child abuse when he was a priest in Nigeria.
Archbishop Burke has admitted having a sexual relationship with a woman, but claimed she was an adult at the time and that the relationship was consensual.
He resigned as archbishop two years ago following the womans complaint, conceding that his position was untenable because he was unfaithful to his vow of celibacy.
Dr Burke began legal proceedings against RTÉ in December, and is being represented by Robert Dore, the lawyer who successfully acted for Fr Reynolds.