The Sinn Fein Leader says he would not encourage whoever killed Brian Stack to hand him or herself over to the Gardaí.

Gerry Adams made the comment after the IRA today admitted it was responsible for the murder of the Portlaoise Chief Prison Officer in 1983.

Mr Adams held several meetings with Brian Stack's family - and early last week Mr Stack's sons Austin and Oliver were taken in a blacked-out van to meet a former IRA leader who admitted the republican group carried out the killing.

But the individual's name was not disclosed.

Gerry Adams gave this response when asked if he knew who killed Brian Stack:

Meanwhile, the Justice Minister says he hopes today's statement represents progress for the Stack family in their quest for the full truth behind the killing of Brian Stack.

Alan Shatter says it is also a matter of great regret that an admission of responsibility comes 30 years too late.