Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Finance if, in pursuit of the purpose of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 to contribute to the social and economic development of the State and to fulfil the commitment contained in the programme for Government to use buildings as suitable cultural facilities, he has given any consideration to the possibility that lands within the control of the National Asset Management Agency could be made available to local sporting organisations for their use. [13775/11]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Finance if, in keeping with one of the purposes of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 to contribute to the social and economic development of the State, the National Asset Management Agency will make lands within its control which adjoin sporting and recreational facilities available to local sporting groups for their own use. [13774/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 81 together.

Within the context of its commercial remit, NAMA has made it known that it is open to considering proposals aimed at contributing to broader social and economic objectives and facilitating public bodies. It has committed to giving first option to such bodies on the purchase of property which is within its control and which may be suitable for their purposes. In these circumstances, NAMA is available to meet with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport to discuss any specific proposals that it may have. In the context of engaging with debtors through the business plans that they must submit to NAMA, the agency encourages sustainable commercial activity by debtors. I would expect, therefore, that if a sporting or other organisation wishes to enter into a leasing arrangement with a debtor, the two parties would reach an appropriate commercial arrangement of mutual benefit.

NAMA has, in the first place, acquired loans and it advises me that property or other assets securing these loans remain in the possession of debtors unless it takes enforcement action against them. Where enforcement action is taken by NAMA, the agency may ultimately take ownership of property but it is expected that in the majority of these instances the property will be managed by a receiver who is the agent of the debtor but who acts in accordance with NAMA's instructions.

I am informed that, under an initiative currently in preparation, NAMA will shortly include on its website a database of properties which are under the control of receivers appointed to enforce against NAMA debtors (appointed either directly by NAMA or by participating institutions working on its behalf). This will provide a single source of information on NAMA assets which are for sale and it will be updated on a very regular basis. It is expected to be up-and-running within a matter of weeks.