Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It was only agreed a few minutes ago with the Ceann Comhairle. People will be aware that I gave instructions that the flag should fly at half mast and I have been in touch with President Obama about that. Leaders will have an opportunity to make a comment on the Order of Business.

On Deputy Martin's point in respect of NAMA and Project Eagle, I want him to understand that, as I have said here on many occasions, I am informed that this loan sell was executed in a proper manner. Despite all the comments and allegations, there are no claims of wrongdoing against NAMA. That loan portfolio was sold following an open process to the highest bidder for what it was worth. NAMA paid no moneys to any party on this loan sale against whom allegations of wrongdoing are now being made. Anyone with evidence of wrongdoing needs to report it immediately to the proper authorities, as I am sure Deputy Martin will do if he has information in that regard.

The Government and NAMA take very seriously, and why should they not, any accusations of NAMA employees or former employees breaching the NAMA Act.

I understand that over the weekend there have been some comments about the naming of persons who had been arrested. I understand that two individuals were held for questioning in relation to the UK's National Crime Agency investigation into the Northern Ireland sale of assets owned by NAMA.

I understand that a number of investigations are underway on that at the moment. I welcome these investigations as does the Minister for Finance. As they are serious allegations, clearly they are being thoroughly investigated in the relevant jurisdiction. NAMA continues to co-operate fully with the NCA and other relevant authorities in these investigations. The Department of Finance has previously made all relevant information on Project Eagle available publicly on its website. Separately, the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General is continuing its examination of the disposal of loans by Northern Ireland debtors. The Comptroller and Auditor General is, of course, positioned to report independently on that. His officials have confirmed that, given their independent role, any queries in regard to the timing, content or any other specified aspect are matters for the Comptroller and Auditor General. I might point out that the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Finance and Personnel which carried out a review on the Project Eagle sale was a committee of the previous Northern Ireland Assembly. The stated purpose of the Northern Ireland finance and personnel committee's review was to undertake a fact-finding review in respect of the operation of NAMA in Northern Ireland, including Project Eagle and related regulatory issues that fall within the Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel. The Department of Finance assisted the committee by providing a large volume of documentation in response to the committee's requests. Separately, NAMA provided detailed written responses to over 100 questions submitted by the committee. I understand that the committee published all of this documentation as well as all other evidence gathered in the course of its review in a detailed timeline on its website. I understand the committee intends to resume its work.

If there is anything else that warrants further analysis here, I would be very happy to hear it from Deputies. I am sure that if Deputy Martin has come across information that should be given to the authorities, he will provide it.

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