Paul Bradford (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Do not say "follow that".

We have had a few clashes between the Kerry Senators in recent years relating to No. 21 on the Order Paper, the NAMA and Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Transparency Bill. Arising from the profound concerns which will now surround the sale of the northern loan book by NAMA it would be advisable if, at the earliest possible opportunity, the Minister for Finance, notwithstanding his duties on the Greek situation, would come before the House to make a clear statement in respect of this sale.

In the past decade or so we have been transfixed by tribunals, inquiries and commissions of inquiry into various matters, whether planning, money to politicians, the sale of licences etc. We are now arriving at the tipping point where there will be, at some stage, perhaps in the not-too-distant future, some sort of inquiry into NAMA sales.The taxpayers and citizens of this country will be short-changed if assets are sold for less than their true worth.

The ongoing revelations about Northern Ireland are of deep concern. NAMA is coming before the Committee of Public Accounts on Thursday. It is important that a clear statement is made in this regard but the overall issue of NAMA's responsibility to the taxpayer should be addressed by the Minister for Finance. I would like to have the Minister come to the House in the near future, and certainly before the summer recess, to offer us assurances in regard to NAMA sales. It is a matter of significant public interest. We are speaking about figures amounting to billions of euro and we must ensure there is absolute propriety and transparency. We need to hear from the Minister on the matter. I appreciate that the Leader cannot arrange for a debate with the Minister overnight but I ask him to arrange an opportunity before the recess for us to get the necessary assurances. I hope NAMA will also be in a position to provide clarity and certainty when it appears before the committee on Thursday.