A report on Sinn Fein activity in so-called "crime-solving" in north Kerry has been presented to the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue. It is said to be substantial.
The Minister ordered the report as a matter of urgency following revelations in early March that Sinn Fein activists were investigating a spate of thefts in north Kerry and were in some cases returning property to its rightful owners.
Their activities were described by senior gardai in Kerry as "unwarranted and unhelpful".
The report outlines Sinn Fein's activities and is understood to say the organisation hindered investigations.
It also gives details of the people involved in the six-month spate of thefts of jewellery and electrical goods and outlines the Garda investigation.
A spokesman for the Department of Justice confirmed last night that the report was being examined by Department officials. He had no further comment.
Mr Martin Ferris, a Sinn Fein councillor and general election candidate in Kerry North, said it was incumbent on politicians to act for the public in tackling crime.
Sinn Fein's activities were condemned by the Minister and by Opposition spokesmen, with Mr O'Donoghue describing them as "blatant intimidation".
But Mr Ferris denied there was any vigilantism.
He said Sinn Fein merely spoke to individuals and managed to recover property on information that was anyway available to gardai.
Several people involved in the larcenies are due before the courts in coming weeks, senior gardai in Tralee said yesterday.
Mr Ferris said yesterday: "Sinn Fein will continue to work on behalf of any constituent that makes an approach, and will do so within the legal requirements."