The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern today gave the strongest hint yet that he will set up a tribunal of inquiry into allegations of Garda corruption in Co Donegal.
Earlier this week, Fine Gael Justice spokesman, Mr Alan Shatter said he believed a report commissioned by the Minister for Justice, Mr O’Donoghue, into the Garda conduct surrounding the McBrearty affair recommended a full judicial inquiry.
The report by Mr Shane Murphy SC was fowarded this week to Mr O’Donoghue and will come before the cabinet next Tuesday.
Speaking on Today FM's The Last Word, the Taoiseach said the Cabinet would be considering a report on the matter next week. "That might lead to an inquiry, it might also have to lead to a change in legislation," he said.
The Taoiseach expressed concern over the dangers of prejudicing court cases that may be pending in relation to the affair. However, he accepted suspending an investigation on that basis could lead to a delay of many years.
Mr Ahern described the situation as "unsatisfactory" and promised a decision after Tuesday’s meeting. "Our view on this is to draw a conclusion on the basis of the report that is presented to us and make a decision on Tuesday," he said.
Mr Frank McBrearty, a nightclub owner based in Raphoe, Co Donegal, and members of his family and staff were served with more than 150 summonses by Garda, all of which were subsequently withdrawn, amid allegations of Garda corruption.
Claims of harassment, unauthorised phone taps and bogus arms finds surfaced in what has been one of the most embarrassing episodes in the history of the Garda Siochana.
Assistant Commissioner Kevin Carty was tasked to investigate Garda conduct in the matter but many commentators and the McBrearty family have argued for an independent public inquiry.
Last year counsel for Mr McBrearty, Mr Peter Nolan SC criticised the principle of gardaí investigating other gardaí and also called for the Director of Public Prosecution's role in the affair to be investigated.