A disagreement between Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher on handling national security documents in Public Interest Immunity processes risks delaying civil lawsuits over Troubles-era murders in County Armagh.

Eugene Reavey has sued the PSNI and Ministry of Defence for misfeasance in public office after masked intruders shot dead his brothers John Martin, Brian, and Anthony at their Whitecross home in January 1976.

A separate lawsuit covers the killings of Sean Farmer and Colm McCartney at a roadblock in Altnamackin in August 1975. These cases join multiple actions by families of Troubles victims.

Lawyers for the Secretary of State stated he must supervise PSNI Public Interest Immunity claims under a Supreme Court ruling and provide a ministerial certificate for national security matters.

Oliver Sanders KC, representing the PSNI, noted that police have managed their own claims since an earlier arrangement ended two years ago. He called the situation an impasse, with the Northern Ireland Office seeking greater control over the process.

Desmond Fahy KC, counsel for the Reavey and Farmer families, said the Secretary of State aims to intervene on national security grounds shortly before hearings in proceedings that have lasted 18 months or two years.

Mr Justice Rooney directed the parties to resolve the issue and stated the trials will proceed next month regardless of the dispute.