The Minister for Education says the gardai must investigate if there was a criminal cover-up of child sexual abuse in the Dublin archdiocese.
Noel Dempsey says Cardinal Desmond Connell has questions to answer in light of last week's revelations in a television documentary.
Last night the gardai confirmed that they were in consultation with the Justice Minister.
The statement added that they were researching the various issues involved before an appropriate response is decided.