A legal challenge to the prohibition on outdoor sports for children has been put back amid plans to ease restrictions next month.
The case, brought on behalf of an eight-year-old boy from Magherafelt, Co Derry, was due to be heard at the High Court today.
But proceedings were adjourned until May following the announcement that sporting activities are scheduled to return on a restricted basis from April 12.
Counsel for the boy argued that the case should still be given priority because of continued uncertainty over what will happen.
Fiona Doherty QC said: "The court has over 100 pages of heartfelt letters from children and their parents about the affect those restrictions are having on them."
The schoolboy is seeking to judicially review the ban imposed by the Stormont Executive as part of efforts to combat Covid-19.
His lawyers claim there is no evidence that the risk of transmitting the virus is increased by children playing sport outside.
Instead, they allege, the prohibition is contributing to a crisis in young people's physical and mental welfare.
Further grounds of challenge centre on allegations that the ban is discriminatory, with adults allowed to continue elite sports, and that the Commissioner for Children and Young People was not part of the decision-making process.
Ms Doherty indicated yesterday that the case could not get underway due to the last-minute developments.
Along with the announcement made on Tuesday, she said a further 200 pages of legal documentation has just been served.
Tony McGleenan QC, representing the Department of Health, agreed the case should be put back.
Mr Justice Colton re-listed the challenge for May 20.
