The Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, demanded a Dáil debate on alleged IRA activities amid heated exchanges with a Sinn Féin deputy.
Mr Kenny said a debate would be appropriate in view of recent happenings, and the fact that the IRA now appeared to sanction some movements.
"Every party in the House will be involved in the local and European elections over the next 14 weeks. I would like to think all parties will fight those elections on a level playing field."
Mr Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (SF, Cavan-Monaghan) said: "At least Deputy Kenny has clarified his interest in these matters."
Mr Kenny said that in the past few days the Taoiseach had said Sinn Féin and the IRA were two sides of the one coin, and the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, had said Mr Gerry Adams was a liar in so far as his remarks about membership of the IRA were concerned.
When the Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, said the use of the word "lie" was inappropriate, Mr Kenny said that it had been used by the Minister for Justice.
As Dr O'Hanlon continued to insist that it was inappropriate, Mr Kenny said: "I am repeating the phrase used by the Minister for Justice.
"He said Gerry Adams was telling lies about his membership of the IRA."
Mr Ó Caoláin remarked: "That is outrageous. It is an absolute disgrace."
The Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, who was taking the Order of Business, said discussions took place between the party whips every week on how business could be ordered.
"We have no objection to a debate of this kind if time permits," said Mr Smith.
