The Government had no advance notice of the temporary release of the convicted loyalist killer, Michael Stone.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said the British and Irish governments had taken the view there should be temporary release of prisoners to attend meetings urging support for the Belfast Agreement and to "move into democratic politics, away from the gun, the bullet, the bomb".
According to the Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, the decision to release Stone was consistent with decisions taken last week and showed that the approach was not confined to one party or one community. As such it was "welcome".
It was important that the public appearance of prisoners should be handled in a way that did not raise fears in the other community, Mr Bruton added. This would demonstrate the appropriate level of concern for the feelings of the victims of violence of the organisations with which the prisoners were associated.
While releases were necessary and welcome, it was very important that the atmosphere surrounding the issue of prisoner releases be one of sensitivity.
The Sinn Fein TD, Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain, said the role of prisoners in the peace process had been "critical" and his party would make no individual judgment on releases.