Mr. Dick Spring:

I received a phone call from the late Brian Lenihan, asking if I would make myself available to take on a role as a public interest director at a time when there was practically a breakdown between the banking system in the country and Dáil Éireann, particularly with the Department of Finance, the Central Bank and the Regulator. I told Brian Lenihan that I would obviously need to consider it and check the amount of time the role required. He said he would really appreciate it if I could get back to him ASAP. I think I got back to him within about two days, having considered it, discussed it at home and having tried to check out the time commitment it required. I was informed that the time commitment would be about 40 days per annum. I have since then communicated with the chairman of the bank that I would make myself available for 60 days per annum because of the amount of work that is required. We had a briefing from the Department of Finance, a collective briefing for all the directors who were being appointed at the time.