Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he would try one last time to persuade the British government to inquire into alleged collusion in the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
He was asked by Labour leader Pat Rabbitte if his judgment was that British prime minister Tony Blair was not forthcoming "in terms of the establishment of a Weston Park type of inquiry" in his jurisdiction.
Mr Ahern said he should not be pessimistic, but Mr Rabbitte correctly read his mind.
"I will try once more, but will not do so again after that. I will then seek advice as to how we should proceed. My reason for being pessimistic is not because of Prime Minister Blair or any of the British secretaries of state and ministers with whom I have dealt."
Mr Ahern said the position was difficult. "I have tried for a long time, as have successive ministers for foreign affairs, the former chief justice, Liam Hamilton, and Mr Justice Barron. We will make one more attempt with the new British government, but if it is not forthcoming I will then seek legal advice."
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (SF, Cavan-Monaghan), said the preferred option of the survivors and relatives of the bombing victims was that the matter be taken up with the European Court of Human Rights. "There is a concern with Justice for the Forgotten regarding time restrictions which may close this avenue unless the project is pursued with some haste."
Mr Ahern said he had followed the wishes of the Oireachtas in the matter since establishing an investigation some years ago.
"A new Government is in place and we should give it one more try. But I understand the system far better than I did years ago. I will try, but will pursue the other option if I do not succeed."
Mr Ó Caoláin asked about his meeting with new Northern Secretary Peter Hain. The Taoiseach said he had focused his attention on the Finucane inquiry.
Mr Ahern told deputies that the estimated legal fees, salaries and other administrative costs for the commission of inquiry into the bombings was €604,880 for a six-month period.
