The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has expressed disappointment at criticism of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning by the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley.
Speaking in Cork yesterday, Mr Ahern said the DUP leader's call for evidence of decommissioning and his questioning of the integrity of Gen John de Chastelain and his colleagues was "disappointing if not surprising".
"I do hope they (the DUP) take up their positions in the Assembly and Executive and I think they will continue to play their part."
Mr Ahern said Dr Paisley should recognise the de Chastelain body is an international commission recognised throughout the world. "If they have a difficulty with that - it is their problem."
The Taoiseach stressed the need for vigilance in terms of cracking down on dissident republican and loyalist elements in the North.
"We have to be vigilant. There will be splinter elements and individuals who think this is all wrong and who will be at their most dangerous at this time."
Mr Ahern said the Garda was committed to closer co-operation with the RUC as the constabulary moves towards becoming the new Police Service of Northern Ireland.
"We will work with them and co-operate fully. But one of the greater benefits that we would like to see out of the implementation of Patten is not only that we will be co-operating but we will get some transfer of garda∅ to the new police service."
The Taoiseach said the transfer of garda∅ to the service would be of great help in nationalist areas.
Garda∅, he said, may undertake patrol duties in sensitive nationalist areas such as the Ardoyne in Belfast and the Bogside in Derry.