Garda detectives have interviewed a former RUC Special Branch officer, Mr John Weir, over his claims that members of the security forces in Northern Ireland were involved in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in 1974 which claimed the lives of 33 people.
Gardai involved in the criminal investigation into the bombings travelled abroad to interview Mr Weir. It is understood that his statement contained new information which gives the Garda team a fresh line of inquiry.
The bombings were discussed by the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, and the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, when the two men met at an international police conference in Dublin on Monday.
The interview with Mr Weir followed a Garda examination of an earlier statement made by the former RUC officer.
The Garda team investigating the bombings is being led by the head of the Special Branch, Det Chief Supt Basil Walsh, based at Harcourt Square, Dublin.
Mr Weir has claimed that explosives used in the bombs were provided by a member of the Ulster Defence Regiment, that the devices were assembled in a house owned by an RUC officer and that a member of the UDR was involved in carrying out the attacks.
The bombings were raised again in the Dail this week and an interdepartmental group has been set up to deal with the families of the bomb victims.