Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make a point. Earlier in the week, NAMA stated that if people had information, they should bring it to the attention of the Garda Síochána. It deliberately muddied the waters in the aftermath of contributions on the agency made by Senator Darragh O'Brien and me in the House. Less than 24 hours after the Senator and I had spoken, the agency reported individuals to the Garda Síochána. This begs the question as to why it sat on that information until political pressure was brought to bear. It is clear that NAMA not only misled Members but also misled the Minister for Finance through its initial inaction and subsequent action. An inquiry is needed into this matter. We must make the board of the National Asset Management Agency more accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas and review the draconian powers available to the agency. The Minister for Finance must come into the House in the immediate future to restore some confidence in what is a State agency of which proper accountability is required. An urgent debate is needed on this matter.