Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have already dealt with the background to this in a debate with Deputy Catherine Murphy, so I will not repeat what I said to her. I will answer Deputy Wallace's direct question clearly, however. It is my strong view, and a requirement under law, that the relevant oversight body for this matter is the Comptroller and Auditor General. NAMA is in communication with him and his office and this is the way I believe it should be dealt with.

A correct consensus grew in the aftermath of the crisis that politicians should step out of particular roles and away from making decisions they may have made in the past. I believe it is correct that certain work has to be done on a non-political level, including the regulation of our Central Bank and decisions made by NAMA or banks. If there are issues with organisations such as NAMA, then it should not be politicians who inquire into them, but it appears that, while this consensus sometimes suits some people other than Deputy Wallace, other people call on me to get involved when there are issues they want to be addressed.

The right way for this to be dealt with is through the Comptroller and Auditor General. The Deputy fulsomely acknowledges the work he does and, if there is an issue, his office will inquire into it. As I said to Deputy Murphy, NAMA has given assurances on how the matter was dealt with.

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