The Tánaiste has reiterated in the Dáil the Government's view that there should be a public inquiry into the murder in 1989 of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
Ms Harney, who shared Opposition concerns about allegations of collusion raised in a BBC Panorama programme on Wednesday night, said it had been the Government's view for "a considerable time" that there should be a public inquiry.
"In fact, the allegations that formed the basis of the programme last night were submitted to the Government in a file given by members of the family in 1999," she said.
"And at that time the Government called for a public inquiry."
The programme alleged that certain elements in the RUC Special Branch planned and facilitated Mr Finucane's murder.
Ms Harney stressed, however, that while it was important to have a public inquiry, "we have to await the publication of the Stevens' report and the outcome of the deliberations of Judge Cory, and hopefully that will happen very, very quickly".
Mr Peter Cory, a retired Canadian judge, is examining the killing of Mr Finucane, along with five other controversial murders, before making a recommendation to both the British and Irish governments on a judicial inquiry.
Labour leader Mr Ruairí Quinn said there was substantial prima facie evidence of collusion between the security forces and loyalist paramilitaries.
"There is no longer any need for delay and the authorities should move immediately to establish a full and comprehensive inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane."
Mr Quinn said that Mr Cory "must surely come to the conclusion that a public inquiry is now necessary".
Fine Gael's deputy leader, Mr Richard Bruton, asked if the Government would have access to the findings of the preliminary review "so that a proper and balanced judgment could be taken that is fair to all communities".
The Tánaiste said the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, had met Mr Cory on June 11th, and the judge intended "as a matter of urgency to deal with the Finucane case".
"Both governments are committed to having a public inquiry if that is what the judge recommends, but it remains the position of the Irish Government that a case does exist for a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Pat Finucane."
