The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has indicated the Government was open to considering revised terms of reference for the Morris tribunal, which is investigating alleged Garda corruption in Co Donegal.
On Tuesday, the McBrearty family, including Mr Frank McBrearty snr, whose experiences form the basis of the tribunal, said they would refuse to co-operate with it.
Replying to the Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, in the Dáil yesterday, the Taoiseach said: "I am aware of what was said yesterday. If a proposal comes from Mr Justice Morris, regardless of whether it was debated or rejected in the House previously, as a result of his hearing the opening cases, the Government would respond to it and bring it to the House."
Mr Kenny had asked if Mr Ahern was aware of the calls for an extension of the tribunal's terms of reference. He said: "Given that some of the principal personalities involved in this matter are not happy with the tribunal, will the Taoiseach give consideration to such an extension?"
The chairman of the tribunal into allegations of corruption against certain gardaí in Co Donegal, Mr Justice Morris, would not comment on the Taoiseach's remarks until he had seen them. Earlier this week he said he would have no business reversing the decision of the Dáil in setting the terms of reference.
It is understood there will be a meeting between Mr Justice Morris and the tribunal legal team today. The meeting has been scheduled for some time to consider the ongoing business of the tribunal.