Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree that representatives of NAMA should be afforded the opportunity to come before the committee. I am heartened by the fact that its representatives are willing to come before us. We also need to bring in representatives of the Department of Finance. I advise that we invite them in tomorrow for the simple reason that we must give committee members the opportunity to have in their possession whatever documentation is forthcoming. We need to consider it because we need to be in a position to question in an informed fashion. It cannot simply be an opportunity for NAMA to set out its stall. It has to be an opportunity for members to question both NAMA and the Department of Finance as completely as possible, cognisant of the fact that there will be legal restrictions in terms of what either party can state. I personally would like us to have whatever documentation can be made available to us.

Then we should we reconvene tomorrow and tease matters out. In doing that, we would give NAMA the opportunity to clear the air and clarify its position. I agree entirely that it would be most unhelpful if this matter were to be dragged out over Christmas and into the new year. The committee has to be given space to absorb whatever documentation is forthcoming, to note that which is not forthcoming and to prepare for such an engagement.