The Banking Inquiry has been told that the construction sector was a "tumour" on the Irish economy.

Professor John Fitzgerald says the sector grew so big that it made it more difficult for other areas to expand.

He says Ireland stands alone in how big its construction sector became:

The research affiliate at the ESRI is discussing the context for the banking crisis, in terms of international, EU and domestic policies.

You can watch a live stream of the inquiry below, although it is currently in private session: