The Commission set up to investigate the systematic taping of phone calls in and out of garda stations has been delayed.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dail today that the Fennelly Commission will now not conclude by the end of the year, as previously planned.

Retired Supreme Court Judge Nial Fennelly has sought as extension to carry out his duties, Mr Kenny said this afternoon.

The Commission is also due to report on the circumstances behind the resignation of former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan.

Mr Callinan stepped down in March - just hours after being visited at his home by the then Secretary General of the Department of Justice Brian Purcell. Mr Purcell visited Mr Callinan to express the Taoiseach's concern at the revelations of the garda tapes.

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