Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Keane raised a very interesting matter regarding Tallaght and NAMA. While I do not doubt the sincerity of the views she offered, in this instance we should remember that NAMA does not make housing policy for any local authority area. As I understand it, NAMA was only responding to calls from Government, civic leaders and others to make available housing stock that is currently surplus to its requirement and sell it on in the taxpayers' interests to investors. I am not aware of the position regarding the 500 houses in Tallaght but I am sure they are available and that the local authority would have suitable applicants to occupy them. It would be a matter for the local authority to decide who those applicants should be, the mix and so on. It might be fashionable, and I am not saying Senator-----