Fennelly Inquiry asks for deadline extension

The inquiry into allegations of illegal phone recordings at Garda stations is to miss its deadline for reporting.

It has been confirmed that the Fennelly Inquiry will ask for an extension of its deadline, as it will not be able to complete its work before the end of the year.

However it has been confirmed that an interim report will be published early in the New Year.

A full vote of the Dáil and Seanad will be required to extend the inquiry's deadline.

The inquiry was established in the wake of the resignation of Martin Callinan to consider the origin of widespread illegal Garda taping, and the circumstances which led Mr Callinan to resign.