However, the plan has now been suspended by foreign affairs minister Dermot Ahern. It follows the British government's decision to abandon its controversial onthe-run proposals after Sinn Fein changed its mind and withdrew support for the legislation.

The British proposals included an effective amnesty for security force members who had killed civilians. Sinn Fein had come under strong pressure from the SDLP on the issue.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster yesterday, Sinn Fein Assembly member Gerry Kelly said Dublin didn't have to follow the example set by London and should have proceeded with its action to address the on-the-runs matter.

"The fact was that in the south there is a much smaller number that would be involved. But it was still an anomaly which came from the Good Friday agreement and could have been sorted out, " he said.