Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)

It has been brought to my attention in recent weeks that contracts are being awarded by NAMA to UK and US art auction houses for the sale of assets owed by NAMA debtors. I know they are not shopping centres or assets of huge potential worth but they are, in many cases, extremely valuable assets. In one case, a very well known English art auction house made €500,000 on the sale of some pieces of art. This is very irresponsible of NAMA. I know it is not in its terms of reference that it must always do business in Ireland but it should be encouraged to do so.

I have raised this issue before. We would all like to speak to those in charge of NAMA in regard to how they choose to do their business. We have auction houses which are more than capable of selling Irish art in Ireland. The best place to sell Irish art is in Ireland. It is a uniquely Irish industry. Will the Leader arrange a debate with the directors of NAMA in which this issue could be addressed?