The Tánaiste says there are "no guarantees" that the general election will be held next year.

But Joan Burton says she's had several conversations with the Taoiseach about it - and they end with the election taking place in 2016.

Enda Kenny again refused to give the Dáil a date for the election today.

The Tánaiste says nothing can be guaranteed - but she doesn't think an early election is likely.

“I wouldn’t bet on that. I don’t know if you’ve been down to any of the bookies but I wouldn’t bet on it,” she said.

Ms Burton said she has impressed on the Taoiseach that the Government still has work to do, including passing Budget measures into law.

Earlier today Enda Kenny jokingly suggested the election may not take place until 2018.

There has been speculation that he will dissolve the Dáíl later this month and schedule a November election.

The deadline for the report on the Banking Inquiry was yesterday extended until January, fuelling speculation that there would be no election before 2016 – as once an election is called the Banking Inquiry would fall apart.

However, speaking in the Dáil, the Taoiseach did not rule out an early election.