The Taoiseach said he had no knowledge of rumoured Garda involvement in the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
Mr Ahern was replying to Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain (SF, Cavan-Monaghan) who said: "It is reported, I am advised, that there was direct association with some of those responsible for the Dublin-Monaghan bombings by one and possibly other members of the Garda at that time.
"This is a most serious claim and one, surely, that of itself merits a full inquiry in order to establish the veracity of the claim or to put it to bed once and for all.
"Is there more to the official Garda line at the time and since regarding evidence available? It is imperative after 25 years of waiting that we now act to establish a judicial inquiry into the bombings in order that the full truth, with all that that entails, can now be established."
Mr Ahern replied: "Since that terrible day of the 17th May, 1974, there have been rumours. I can only tell Deputy O Caolain I do not know if there is anything to them. I have no evidence, and the present Minister for Justice and Garda Commissioner have not given me any evidence."
He added that the Government was endeavouring to look at the evidence available, work with the interdepartmental group set up to examine the issue, and see if there was enough material to proceed with an inquiry. When that was completed, he would report back to the House.
Mr Proinsias De Rossa (Labour, Dublin North West) said the injured and the relatives of those who were murdered wanted closure of the trauma and suffering for 25 years. For that to happen, justice had not only to be done but to be seen to be done.
"There is a grave sense among them that the agencies of the State have not adequately pursued those who were suspected of having planted the bombs."
Mr De Rossa urged the Taoiseach to examine the Department of Justice and Garda files to reassure the injured and the relatives of the victims that the Government was taking the issue seriously.
Mr Ahern said that the relatives understood that the Government was taking the issue seriously. He, and a Minister on his behalf, had discussed the matter with the Garda Commissioner. "I have a reasonable knowledge of what is on the departmental file. I do not have knowledge of the Garda file." He added that submissions had been made by more than one person. While he could not say that the "substantial" information submitted was factual, he would not ignore it lightly.
Mr Ahern said that he met with the Justice for the Forgotten Group - the Dublin and Monaghan relatives committee - and their legal representatives last month. It was clear that they felt that they had not been listened to and that their concerns had not been addressed over the years.