The Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams is to make a statement in the Dáil about his knowledge of the investigations into the murder of Brian Stack.

Dáil time is to be given to Mr Adams after a challenge to make a statement by the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin repeated claims from Brian Stack’s son Austin, who says Mr Adams has been in contact with an IRA figure who led an internal investigation.

Enda Kenny said Mr Adams should make a statement under Dáil privilege, which the Sinn Féin President says he is happy to do.

Mr Adams said: “I have dealt with this in substance. I am prepared as the Taoiseach has indicated if he wants to make space for me to do it here, to do it again.

“But may I make it clear that I have never accused anyone of being a suspect in the murder of Brian Stack, because I don’t know who the suspects may be.”