The Government has tabled legislation in the Dáil aimed at forcing Judge Brian Curtin to appear before an Oireachtas inquiry investigating his conduct.

Emergency legislation is due to be introduced in the Dáil today which will prevent TDs and senators facing criminal charges as a result of fulfilling their constitutional functions during the impeachment process of Judge Brian Curtin.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern last night said a second United Nations resolution before any military action against Iraq was a political imperative.