A Government inquiry into the Olympic ticket touting controversy may not report until next Easter.

The investigation, established in August by Minister for Transport Shane Ross, will not meet its 12-week deadline.

Mr Justice Carroll Moran who is chairing the non-statutory inquiry has indicated to the department it may be next year before he completes his work.

The retired judge has been asked to examine the Olympic Council of Ireland’s handling of the “receipt, distribution and sale of tickets” allocated by the International Olympic Committee for the Rio Games, the 2012 London Games and the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.He was also asked to examine corporate governance at the OCI and the State funding of the body. It is understood the judge has informed the department the scope of the inquiry may need to be expanded on foot of information reviewed to date.

Disappointed

The judge will still provide an interim report to the Minister at the end of next month but will seek additional time to complete his examination.

Fine Gael TD Noel Rock said he was disappointed to learn of potential delays. "It is a disappointment to see that this investigation has already been delayed substantially, though it is no surprise to some that the problem is proving bigger than initially anticipated."

Mr Justice Moran was appointed in August to examine the controversy.

The Government set a three-month time frame but insisted it would allow the judge additional time if necessary.