An intermediate step in a protracted process may in itself constitute a set of circumstances or an event which exists or where there is a realistic prospect that they will come into existence or occur, on the basis of an overall assessment of the factors existing at the relevant time.
Féadfaidh gurb ionann céim idirmheánach i bpróiseas fadálach ann féin agus sraith imthosca nó imeacht atá ann nó ina bhfuil ionchas réalaíoch ann go dtiocfaidh siad chun bheith ann nó go dtarlóidh siad, ar bhonn measúnú foriomlán ar na fachtóirí atá ann cheana féin ag an am ábhartha.