The Taoiseach has put paid to any prospect of an early election, saying there are 14 bills to be published before the election is called.
Enda Kenny's comments mean there is now virtually no prospect of the election being called before the end of January.
The Taoiseach has also planned a series of engagements for January which could not go ahead if an election had been called.
He also confirmed the election would not be called until after he circulates his plans to revive the inquiry into IBRC.
"I've undertaken to bring the heads of a bill and have it circulated," he said. "The Government are committed to looking at the question of changing the terms of reference to be more specific, provide the resources (including the financial resource) for the Commission to do its job."