The question of Government contacts with Sinn Fein in the wake of the Lisburn bombing was an "academic" issue at the moment, the Taoiseach has said.
Mr Bruton said that at the moment there was no contact between the Government and representatives of Sinn Fein. If there were, these would take place on the sole basis that they might make a contribution to a ceasefire which would be credible, and would hold in all circumstances.
Mr Bruton was speaking at the reopening of Tallaght community school.