The Justice Minister has directed the gardaí to "co-operate to the maximum extent possible" with an investigation into a loyalist gang linked to the Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.
However, in a statement to Northern Sound, the Department of Justice says Minister Helen McEntee is "absolutely committed to the pursuit of justice for crimes committed during the troubles".
Operation Denton is an ongoing, independent UK police investigation into the activities of what was known as the Glenanne Gang.
In a statement to Northern Sound, the Department of Justice says Minister Helen McEntee "is fully supportive of Operation Denton and its examination of the activities of the Gang".
The statement adds that "this is especially the case as Operation Denton may identify information held by authorities in the UK that relate to the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings" which claimed the lives of 33 people.
However, the Department of Justice describes Operation Denton as an "analytical review being carried out in another jurisdiction, rather than a criminal investigation".
As a result of this, the Justice Department says it was necessary to obtain the advice of the Attorney General "to facilitate Garda co-operation and the sharing of information".
Following receipt of advice from the Attorney General, Justice Minister Helen McEntee signed a directive under Section 25 of the Garda Síochána Act directing "the identification and preparation for release of relevant records to Operation Denton".
Section 25 of the Garda Síochána Act provides the legal basis for Garda information to be shared with inquests and inquiries outside of the State.
