Banking Inquiry extension could effectively rule out early General Election

An extension to the deadline for the final report of the Banking Inquiry could effectively rule out a General Election this side of Christmas.

TDs will be asked today to extend the deadline for the final report until the end of January – it was due to finish up by the end of next month.

The inquiry will automatically collapse if the Dáil is dissolved before its final report – making it less likely that an election could be held before February at the earliest.