The head of a State inquiry into alleged collusion in the double killing of two top RUC officers during the Troubles has refused to put a timeframe on his investigation.
Judge Peter Smithwick signalled in his interim report that factors beyond his control and the need for private inquiries outside the State could prolong his findings.
Just weeks ago, the judge was ordered to wind up his investigation into allegations of Garda collusion in the IRA murders of Superintendent Bob Buchanan and his colleague Chief Superintendent Harry Breen within five months.
Minister for Justice Alan Shatter also demanded an interim report on the March 1989 shootings near the Border be completed today, less than a month after public hearings started.
For his report, Judge Smithwick handed over what is effectively a three-and-a-half page letter - along with his already issued opening statement to the tribunal – warning he can not give a definite estimate of the time it will take to complete his investigation.
He said he had heard from 29 witnesses since public hearings began on June 9th and was expecting to hear from another 115 people, but this could increase.
Work was going on behind the scenes to persuade some potential witnesses to travel voluntarily to Dublin while certain people, including former RUC officers, will be allowed to apply to have their testimony heard anonymously, behind a screen if necessary, he said.
But Judge Smithwick said there were a number of reasons why he would not commit to a timeframe.
These included the fact there was a significant proportion of potential witnesses from outside the Republic and the possibility of unanticipated delays such as High Court actions.
Any new evidence heard could also lead to the need for further lines of inquiry, he argued.
The tribunal chairman said there was a need for further private investigation outside the jurisdiction relating to evidence by London’s ministry of defence, which had recently told the tribunal it had information it was seeking.
He pointed out there may also be a need for further witnesses to be called.
The tribunal was set up in May 2005 but it was nearly a year later before it was opened briefly.
It was almost immediately adjourned to allow for private investigations.
Those investigations finished up in April this year and public evidence began in June.
A spokeswoman for Mr Shatter said he only received the interim report at 7pm and would give it his consideration.
PA