The Taoiseach accepted a suggestion by the Fine Gael leader that the Judicial Appointments Board carry out security checks before appointing judges.
Mr Ahern said he believed the important position of a Dáil usher involved a security check. "I believe all positions are important, and should be checked. I shall make that suggestion."
The Taoiseach confirmed to Mr Kenny that the Garda had not advised the then minister for justice, Mr O'Donoghue, nor his Department of having received an Interpol list containing Judge Brian Curtin's name before he was appointed to the bench in November 2001.
Charges against Judge Curtin for knowingly having child pornography were dismissed at Tralee Circuit Court, and the case is now being considered by an Oireachtas committee.
Mr Ahern said it was highly unlikely that the board had carried out a security check on the type of people on the list, but he would check on the matter.
"Brian Curtin, from Tralee, Co Kerry, was one of more than 100 names on that Interpol list. Obviously, the Garda investigation was required to ascertain who Brian Curtin actually was, and whether or not it was he who personally accessed the sites.
"A garda in Harcourt Street was not to know that Brian Curtin was a senior counsel in Tralee who was at the time being considered by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board for the bench.
"Deputy Kenny is asking whether the Judicial Appointments Board would have checked with the Garda. I cannot be certain that it did, but I would surmise it would not have in a case like that. Even if it had carried out a security check on Brian Curtin, it is doubtful whether the information from the investigation would have been received at that stage.
"Security checks seek details of criminal convictions. At that stage a security check would not have shown up that he had a criminal conviction because he did not have one, and still has not."
Mr Kenny said the Taoiseach should set in train a system whereby the board should check with the Garda on such appointments.
"If a caretaker is being appointed to a school, a character reference is sought from the Garda. I had a distraught parent on the telephone last night who was unable to adopt a child because of a minor indiscretion with regard to a driving licence, I understand."
Mr Ahern said at no time did either then attorney general, Mr McDowell, or the minister indicate that they had any knowledge to show that Judge Curtin was an unsuitable person.
"I have checked that since. While the minister could recall who Brian Curtin was, neither he nor the attorney general had information as to his unsuitability."
