Ms Cathy Herbert:

Well, I think that the findings of the Wright report about the lack of expertise in some specific areas, and the generalist nature, I think he ... that was something we found when we went into the Department of Finance. Nonetheless, when ... you know, once the crisis happened, the handling of the crisis was very good. He had to knuckle down very quickly and the Department had to get used to this new Minister. And I think the level ... the advice that ... you know, there was lots of ... there was for ... the NTMA was advising ... there was excellent advice. I mean, he was taking advice, obviously, from the Financial Regulator and the Central Bank which proved not to be very good advice. I think they all had to learn that, you know, that there were lacunae in the advice that was given. He did seek advice outside. He ... I know that Governor ... the then ... Professor Honohan - Patrick Honohan - was in on a number of occasions in those months leading up to the guarantee. There were a number of ... Phillip Lane, Alan Ahearne, whom he later appointed as his adviser - who was a significant contrarian at that time - he was in on a number of occasions.