The Belfast Agreement provides for the early release only of paramilitary prisoners who have already been convicted, the Taoiseach told the Dail yesterday.
Mr Ahern said legislation covering releases under the agreement may be considered by a Dail committee before being agreed by the Government.
The matter was raised by the Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, who said the legislation must be enacted before the end of next month. He suggested that the heads of the Bill be discussed by the Justice Committee of the House immediately.
Mr Ahern, said that the Bill had not yet reached the Government but he had no objection to getting the views of members of the House at the relevant committee.