The official inquiry into the garda tapes and the resignation of Martin Callinan as commissioner is to miss its deadline.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny says the Fennelly Inquiry, which was due to report by the end of this year, will ask for an extension.

However Mr Kenny says the inquiry might submit an interim report updating on its work to date before Christmas.

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

It was established in the wake of the resignation of Mr Callinan to consider the origin of widespread illegal garda taping, and the circumstances which led Mr Callinan to resign.