The Taoiseach has told the Dáil that a special committee of TDs and Senators will be established to investigate the behaviour of Judge Brian Curtin with a view to his removal from office.
Mr Ahern said the committee will report to the Oireachtas which will decide on his future.
The cabinet earlier discussed the issues arising from Judge Curtin's reply to a Government letter seeking his version of how charges of possessing child pornography came to be brought against him.
The judge was acquitted in Tralee Circuit Court last month.
When the Government wrote to Judge Curtin three weeks ago, the Taoiseach ruled out a pay-off to the judge.
It is thought the Government hoped Judge Curtin would resign, thereby avoiding unprecedented impeachment proceedings to remove him from office.
