The Oireachtas Banking Inquiry has been dealt a huge blow - the night before it's due to begin public hearings.

The inquiry's been told that the European Central Bank will NOT be attending any public hearings to take questions.

Members had been hoping that the bank's former president Jean-Claude Trichet may attend to explain his letter which forced Ireland to take a bailout.

However the bank has written to the inquiry tonight, to say it will not be accepting any invitation to attend.

Mr Trichet has previously said he also has no interest in taking questions at Leinster House.