The Government and the US administration will discuss the possibility of making public the purpose of CIA flights through Shannon in order to allay public concern that some of these involve so-called "rendition", the Taoiseach has indicated.
After meeting President Bush in the White House yesterday, Mr Ahern said he and the president "agreed to touch base" on this "over the next couple of weeks".
He told President Bush of the concern in Ireland that flights through Shannon were carrying terrorist suspects who were being secretly detained and transported.
"I explained that while we facilitate a large number of American troops and we are happy to do that," Mr Ahern said, "there is concern about extraordinary renditions and concern about CIA flights. We have asked for the president's understanding and co-operation.
"We are going to look at how we might bring more transparency to that process, if it is possible."
Asked if he was suggesting that Irish authorities might begin inspecting US aircraft at Shannon to see if they were carrying prisoners, he said other countries did not do this and he did not want to.
"But we have CIA flights that land. I'm sure they are all on totally legitimate business. We have been told and this has been repeated many times that Ireland has not been used [ for rendition flights].
"If at times we were able to say what some of these flights were about, then it would make the position easier for us and it would make public opinion happier if people understand."