The Taoiseach expressed doubt that Mr Gerry Adams could deliver on IRA decommissioning if the Northern executive were formed first. Mr Ahern was answering questions in the Dail following his meeting with the Sinn Fein president at Dublin Airport.

He was asked by the Labour leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, if he believed the annual gathering in Washington of politicians from the many sides of the political divide in the North was constructive and helpful.

Mr Quinn also asked if he believed that while Mr Adams had publicly stated he could not get the IRA to deliver on decommissioning prior to the establishment of an executive, he could deliver on the commencement of a decommissioning process by the IRA if the executive were formed.

Mr Ahern said he was absolutely convinced that the dialogue and contact established in Washington was very useful, and it was regrettable and at times difficult to understand why there could not be more dialogue of this nature.

"I would love to be able to respond positively to the second part of the deputy's question, but I would be misleading the House if I said I would be any more confident."

The Fine Gael spokesman on Northern Ireland, Mr Charles Flanagan, said the Belfast Agreement was quite specific that the role and function of Gen John de Chastelain should be no more than to monitor, verify and review progress on decommissioning. How could it be expected that there would be an initiative from him, in view of the fact that he did not have any political authority or, therefore, any political power?

Mr Ahern said it was widely agreed by all the parties and the governments that Gen de Chastelain, rather than having political control, had the ability to initiate some conclusions which might prove helpful. "I do not believe that he can initiate any measure which has not been developed with the assistance of the parties."

Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain (SF, Cavan-Monaghan) asked if the Taoiseach agreed that what was now needed was an independent international inquiry into the murder of Ms Rosemary Nelson with matters being taken completely out of the hands of the RUC.

"Will the Government intervene, as ordered by the human rights group, Cearta, to ensure the relevant forensic material can be assessed by independent outside bodies so that there is not a cover-up in this case, as has been the case in the past?"

Mr Ahern said he wanted to see a transparent and independent tribunal. "As I stated while I was away, Prime Minister Blair said he wanted to see a very independent tribunal inquiry and investigation." The Taoiseach added he was not sure how an investigation that totally ignored the police on the ground could take place.

Earlier, Mr Ahern said he hoped the Northern party leaders would take inspiration from Senator George Mitchell's direct remarks to them when he stressed the imperative of resolving the remaining difficulties. "Senator Mitchell knows the process better than most, and his urgent appeal will, I believe, encourage people to move forward."

He told Mr Trevor Sargent (Green Party, Dublin North) that he would keep opposition leaders briefed on any developments.