John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In essence, that is it. I note this committee co-operated with the Public Accounts Committee in Northern Ireland on another issue and in that regard, I found that to be highly beneficial to the whole process of understanding where the money went, how it all functioned and so on. It was a worthwhile exercise for this committee and it showed how the two different jurisdictions can function well in the interests of the taxpayer. I am of the view that I believe NAMA's representatives should attend the Northern committee. The witnesses have heard that echoed around this meeting room today and I encourage NAMA to reconsider its position. I do not see what it has to lose and can only view what is to be gained by NAMA's attendance, even in respect of the optics of so doing, which is important. Mention again was made about damage to NAMA, perception and all the rest. Sometimes, the little things one does or does not do cause more harm and in this instance, I consider that to be a minor detail in terms of how NAMA presents what story it has to tell. It is like its appearance here today, some members thought NAMA was under attack or whatever. I look at it differently and perceive its attendance here today to be an opportunity for NAMA to clarify all the issues that have been raised and to deal with the public concern that exists. That exchange within this Parliament is hugely positive and equally, in acknowledging the Northern Ireland Assembly and what it is attempting to do, it would be equally as important for NAMA to attend there. It would remove the perception down here there must be something odd going on in NAMA if it did not follow through to another Government committee or committee of the Assembly in Northern Ireland. I will leave it at that and ask the witnesses to consider it.

Deputy Sean Fleming mentioned the €30,000. While I do not wish to go into it, Mr. McDonagh stated the Garda is investigating. Are the member or members of staff still engaged with or employed by NAMA?