The long-running Moriarty tribunal, which concluded its work in May, may now have to hold further public hearings in 2009.
The public inquiry was established in 1997 to examine payments to politicians, including former taoiseach Charles Haughey and former minister Michael Lowry.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen today told the Dáil that tribunal chairman Mr Justice Michael Moriarty was currently compiling his report but that more public hearings may be scheduled in coming weeks.
“It is not certain that public hearings are complete. Depending on circumstances it may entail the recall of certain witnesses for additional cross-examination," Mr Cowen said.
The Dáil heard the total cost from 1997 to date of the inquiry was €33.7 million and that €2.9 million was spent in 2008 alone.
“It is not possible at this stage to estimate the final cost,” added Mr Cowen.
Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore said the possibility of more public hearings was astonishing.
“This tribunal has gone on for 11 years. A report is now being written and you’re now telling me there could be another round of public hearings in the new year. I find that remarkable. After 11 years one would expect it should be possible to present a report. That is quite incredible,” he said.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny asked how the tribunal cost €2.9 million in 2008 yet it only held three sittings - one in March and two in May.
Mr Cowen said he expected the cost of the inquiry would be reduced significantly during the report-writing phase.
PA