The Tánaiste says the inquiry into the taping of phone calls in Garda stations needs to be given the time and space to complete its work.

An interim report from Mr Justice Nial Fennelly has warned he still hasn't worked out how to analyse 13 years of tapes from dozens of Garda stations.

The Commission says it can check recordings from 2008 when the system was computerised, but notes that even working out how to sample the recordings from 1995 is an onerous task.

Responding tonight, Joan Burton says she will support whatever the judge decides to do

“There is no doubt that in terms of changes in technology that this may be a very challenging issue but I would certainly be guided by whatever way the judge feels is the best approach to an issue,” Ms Burton said.

“We want to ensure that all the questions asked are answered,” she added.

Yesterday the Cabinet granted an extension to the inquiry to complete its work after the Commission expressed concern at the sheer volume of work in relation to the tapes.

Justice Nial Fennelly has previously expressed concern that the sheer volume of taped conversations would have made it impossible to issue an early report.

Newstalk.com's political correspondent Páraic Gallagher has the details.

While a previous interim report, released in September, vindicated the Taoiseach of any wrong-doing over the resignation of former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan.

This was after a representative from the Department of Justice was sent to Mr Callinan's house the night before he resigned.