Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

For most of the lifetime of this Dáil, Sinn Féin has been raising concerns about the sale of NAMA's loan books, including its Northern loan book. There is now a growing scandal around the revelations that an illegal £15 million fixer's fee was to be paid as part of the sell-off of this Northern loan book. As the Tánaiste may be aware, this matter was brought to NAMA's attention by PIMCO, a potential US bidder. It also advised NAMA that the proposed recipients of this fixer's fee included Frank Cushnahan, a member of NAMA's Northern advisory committee. Mr. Cushnahan originally was appointed by Fianna Fáil and was reappointed by the present Government. NAMA initially claimed that its Northern advisory committee was not privy to confidential information regarding this sale. However, it since has been disclosed that this committee discussed potential purchases on at least two occasions before the loan book was sold at a huge loss to Irish taxpayers. Mr. Cushnahan was present at these meetings. He later acted as an adviser to a bidder in the sale of the Northern loan book. Has the Tánaiste been briefed on these matters? Has she raised them with the Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Noonan? Is it acceptable, in the light of these disturbing revelations, that the Minister, Deputy Noonan, continues to protect NAMA from public scrutiny? NAMA is an arm of the State and I hope the Tánaiste agrees that it should be accountable. When will the Minister, Deputy Noonan, come before the Dáil and make a statement on these serious issues of public interest? Moreover, as I have requested, along with Deputy Pearse Doherty and others, will the Government establish a commission of investigation into the management and operations of NAMA?

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