The former head of the E-C-B - who forced Ireland to accept the bailout in 2010 - will take questions from TDs today.

Jean-Claude Trichet says the ECB doesn't answer to national parliaments - and only takes questions from MEPs.

But in order to contribute to the Banking Inquiry a compromise has been reached where Trichet will take questions, on the record - just not in Leinster House.

He's giving a lecture hosted by the Institute of International and European Affairs in Kilmainham - after which he'll take questions from the audience.

And it just so happens that 11 members of the audience also happen to be the 11 members of the Oireachtas Banking Inquiry.

They'll be allowed to incorporate his answers into their own findings - and are likely to ask him about the letters which eventually forced Brian Lenihan to apply for a humilitating bailout.

But the hearing is so delicately planned that Trichet already knows the questions he'll be asked - so it remains to be seen just how helpful Jean-Claude Trichet will be, and what we can learn from his answers.