The European Central Bank says it will not be appearing at the banking inquiry.

The ECB claims as an international institution it's not accountable to Irish parliament.

Inquiry Chairman Ciaran Lynch says while they can not compel the authority to appear before them, they did expect it to help:

“It is unfortunate and unsatisfactory that ECB has chosen not to engage with the Committee.

“A response and engagement from the ECB would have added to our final report and its stance is therefore regrettable.”

The final witnesses in investigations into the collapse of the Irish banking system will be called this week, though it will still take several months before a final report is submitted to the Dáil and Seanad.