Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

The question of NAMA has been raised and I wish to address it briefly. The programme for Government promised that the secret society which was NAMA would be made transparent and that freedom of information legislation would be extended to ensure we would be able to obtain details on the transactions and operations of NAMA. We were promised this on numerous occasions in the Chamber. However, it has not yet happened. When will it happen?

The Taoiseach has asked whether developers involved in the debacle we went through, their friends or those working on their behalf might be able to get their hands on properties coming on the market through NAMA. This is a very significant concern and should be addressed.

I agree with Deputy Colreavy on the question of residential properties. Stamp duty is being decreased in the case of non-residential properties. What about residential properties? What about those with mortgages and in mortgage distress? There is no benefit in the budget for those who find themselves in very serious difficulty.

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