A time limit should be imposed on public officials moving into the private sector, the Taoiseach said in the Dáil.
Mr Ahern said there should be rules on the issue, applying across the public service.
"It is not just a matter of politicians who leave this House after an election or officials who might have worked with government," he added. "The rules should also cover officials leaving departments or agencies. We need tighter rules in this area and I have requested that the matter be examined. It creates a difficulty."
Mr Ahern was replying to Mr Joe Higgins (Socialist Party, Dublin West) who asked if the Taoiseach favoured a time limit prohibiting people from moving from influential public service positions with inside information into private sector business.
Mr Ahern revealed that advisers employed by the Departments of Taoiseach, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Government cost a total of €750,000 annually.
He said the advisers kept him informed on a wide range of issues, including business, financial, economic, political, administrative and media matters.
"Under the direction of the programme manager, their primary function is to ensure effective co-ordination in the implementation of the Government's programme."
Mr Ahern said that his advisers currently were Mr Gerry Hickey, programme manager, Mr Joe Lennon, Mr Gerard Howlin, Mr Brian Murphy and Ms Una Claffey. The Government chief whip's special adviser was Mr Carl Gibney, while Ms Katherine Bulbulia was the programme manager for the Tánaiste.
