The Taoiseach says it would be difficult for the families of victims from either side in the North if a proposal to end prosecutions for killings during the Troubles was implemented.
Enda Kenny says it would not be helpful for him to comment on the views expressed by the Attorney-General of Northern Ireland.
John Larkin says it is time to "draw the line" on the past - a move the Tánaiste says he is opposed to.
And the Taoiseach hinted he feels the same though he says he respects the views of the North's Attorney-General.
While the British Prime Minister insists there are no plans for an amnesty for killings carried out during the Troubles.
Many victims and politicians have condemned the idea. And David Cameron has told MPs that John Larkin was not speaking on behalf of the British government.
Relatives have reacted angrily, with Justice for the Forgotten calling it a total betrayal. Stephen Gault was badly injured and lost his father in the Enniskillen bombing in 1987.
"It's not that long ago that John Larkin came out and re-opened investigations into past murders of innocent people - and why now?" he said.
"Does that mean what he said two months ago (that) he was lying? It's just totally, totally sickening" he added.
Earlier, the Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said the families of victims deserve justice.
The Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has welcomed the debate, but he has rejected the suggestions that the current prosecutions process favours non-State organisations.
Instead, Deputy Adams is insisting that the process, as it stands, amounts to an amnesty for the British state forces and their allies. In a statement, he has accused the British government of reneging on commitments to deal with outstanding cases like the murder of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane.
The Sinn Féin leader has also added his voice to calls for any changes to be victim centred, outlining the fact that his party supports an Independent International Truth recovery process.
Northern Ireland Security Correspondent Alan Murray spoke to The Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk.
More than 3,500 people were killed during the 30 years of conflict in the North.
