David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The witness has clarified that. Mr. Rowntree was the second external member of the Northern Ireland advisory committee, NIAC, and was a very helpful witness for the committee. He spoke about a University of Ulster study carried out into the assets in the North. It was his view at the time that the entire NAMA strategy for the assets in the North was to work out the assets over time and this University of Ulster report was to help in that regard. Specifically, it was mainly to do with residential properties. He was asked, with him having that and other information in his possession and as an NIAC member, if this information was brought to other potential bidders or purchasers what currency it would have. He said, "I would smile if I had that document." That was his view as a member of the NIAC. He also said, by the way, he would have resigned and he would never have taken up the position in the first place had he the same conflicts of interest that have now emerged with regard to the other player.

Has the witness read the letter from PIMCO?