The Fine Gael leader suggested that an Oireachtas committee examine the circumstances of the 1970 Arms Trial.

The facts should be brought forward with a recommendation, Mr Michael Noonan added.

Referring to the RTE Prime Time programme on the editing of evidence given by Col Michael Hefferon, Mr Nooonan said: "Members of the House may not have adverted to the fact that, at that time, the functions of the DPP were carried out by the Attorney General."

The Labour deputy leader, Mr Brendan Howlin, asked if the Taoiseach proposed to conduct any other inquiries, apart from the one initiated by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr O'Donoghue.

Mr Ahern said the Prime Time programme pointed to the need for a more detailed inquiry and that had already commenced.