Minister for Justice Michael McDowell today sought directions from the High Court to hold back the publication of the latest findings from the Morris tribunal concerning Garda corruption in Donegal.
The report, compiled by inquiry chairman Mr Justice Frederick Morris, relates to allegations that gardaí planted an explosive device and a gun, attempted to frame a group of Travellers and concocted a death threat.
The matters were heard in private by president of the High Court Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan.
It is believed officials at the Department of Justice are concerned the findings may prejudice criminal proceedings against gardaí.
One officer, Detective Sergeant John White is suspended from the force. He is facing a charge of illegal possession of a firearm that the tribunal investigated during the Burnfoot module. Evidence regarding that incident was also heard in private at the tribunal.
The tribunal investigated the arrest of seven Travellers after the apparent discovery of a sawn-off shotgun at a halting site in the village.
Det Sgt White's lawyers argued at the inquiry that revealing details of the Burnfoot episode to the public ahead of a possible trial in Donegal would be prejudicial.
But it is understood justice officials are concerned publishing findings from the two other modules, the Silver Bullet and Ardara may also affect the outcome of the officer's trial.
The Silver Bullet module focused on claims that gardaí arranged for Sligo man Bernard Conlon to make up a death threat against him and a detective sergeant.
It also investigated allegations that Mr Conlon was "planted" in Frank McBrearty's pub in Raphoe after hours to use him in a licensing prosecution.
The Ardara module investigated claims that gardaí planted a bomb or explosive device on the telecommunications man on the outskirts of the town to arrest three locals who had been protesting at the site.