The Central Bank's Governor says he'll explain to the Gardaí why he doesn't believe the Anglo Tapes warrants a criminal complaint.

Patrick Honohan says the Central Bank sought legal advice on its decision to drop an investigation into the tapes.

The tapes, published by independent newspapers, raised concerns that Anglo may have misrepresented its financial position when it sought Central Bank support in 2008.

In a statement this evening, Patrick Honohan says he intends to share with the Gardaí "on a without-prejudice basis" - the Central Bank's analysis of why it doesn't believe any new issues have been identified - which relate to suspected criminal offences.