Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I would love to answer the Deputy's question but I have been overruled by the Chair.

I would have no problem talking to NAMA if I thought it would resolve the issue but what the Deputy will find is that rent supplement is being paid on many of the properties already taken into NAMA. That would not change matters. As the Deputy knows, NAMA transfers loans. Only in cases where a receiver is appointed would NAMA be the actual owner of the property rather than the property being used as a security. I have no problem, however, and I agree with the Deputy. Obviously, if the State owns empty houses they should be filled. That is a matter for discussion but as I understand it at present, there is not the handy answer the Deputy might think.

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