Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I now propose that we go into public session. Is that agreed? As we have a quorum, the Committee of Inquiry into the Banking Crisis is now in public session and can I ask members and those in the public Gallery to ensure that their mobile devices are switched off.

Session 1 is a public hearing with Ms Cathy Herbert, former special adviser to Minister Brian Lenihan. In commencing this morning's proceedings, I would like to welcome everyone to the public hearings of the Joint Committee of Inquiry into the Banking Crisis. At our first session this morning we will here from Ms Cathy Herbert, former special adviser to Minister Brian Lenihan. Cathy Herbert was first appointed as special adviser to the late Brian Lenihan in January 2006 when he became Minister for children, and she continued as his adviser throughout his ministerial career. She has previously worked as a special adviser to the former Minister, Dr. James McDaid. Before that Ms Herbert worked as a journalist with RTE. Ms Herbert, you're very welcome before the committee this morning.