An investigation into the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings is expected to be completed by late October, it emerged tonight.
A Commission of Investigation led by barrister Paddy MacEntee has sought five extensions to its timeframe since it was first established in April 2005.
The latest extension, to October 31st next, was agreed by the Government at today's Cabinet meeting.
A Government spokesperson said Mr MacEntee expected to be in a position to conclude his investigations by the latest extended deadline.
The investigation's investigators received an apparent breakthrough earlier this year when they travelled outside the jurisdiction to interview individuals who had important information.
A total of 33 people died and 300 were injured when four car bombs exploded in Dublin and Monaghan on May 17th, 1974.
No organisation claimed responsibility for the attacks, but loyalist paramilitaries were widely blamed.
This is the first such commission of investigation established under new legislation to fast-track inquiries into matters of public concern.