The Taoiseach has defended the mechanism chosen by the Government to address the so-called 'on the run' issue.
Bertie Ahern rejected criticism from Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny that granting presidential pardons was inappropriate, constitutionally dubious and hurtful to victims.
Mr Ahern said the issue had to be dealt with, and was based on legal advice from the Attorney General Rory Brady.
He said it was an upfront agreement dating from the Weston Park talks in 2001 that addressed outstanding issues arising from the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
He was speaking after a meeting with British Prime Minster Tony Blair on the margins of the EU Mediterranean summit in Barcelona.
Mr Ahern said they spent some time plotting out a work programme for next year, aimed at getting the Northern Ireland institutions working again as soon as possible.
This afternoon, legal experts said the Government's proposals for 'on the runs' raise a number of constitutional questions.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law at NUI Galway, Donncha O'Connell, said there would also be problems with the Eligibility Body.
