The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has confirmed that he has resumed dialogue with the Sinn Féin leadership but has denied that he has had any 'secret meetings'.
Since a frosty encounter last January it had been thought that - bar the ritual St Patrick's Day encounter in Washington - the Government had been shunning contact with Sinn Féin.
Last week the Irish Independent newspaper claimed a series of three or four secret meetings had taken place.
Today, the Taoiseach told Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny that some meetings had to take place away from the glare of publicity.
He said he had used them to stress that republicans had to turn their backs on violence and criminality in a clear and unequivocal way.
Ahern in marching season warning
But Mr Ahern also told TDs that there were huge sensitivities surrounding this year's marching season in Northern Ireland, particularly in Derry where he said the Orange Order was planning a large gathering while still refusing to meet with local residents.
He warned that the North was moving into a very difficult period between now and 15 July.
Mr Ahern also said he continues to meet members of all the Northern political parties on an informal basis and that this was an important part of making progress in the peace process.
