Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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73. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to fill the one remaining position on the NAMA board under section 19 of the NAMA Act 2009, with due consideration for the expertise and experience listed in section 19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10011/17]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Under Section 19 the NAMA Act 2009, the NAMA Board is to consist of nine members - the NAMA Chairman, the CEO of NAMA (ex-officio), the CEO of the NTMA (ex-officio), and six ordinary members. There are currently seven members on the NAMA Board and there are, in fact, two vacancies for ordinary members. NAMA has had at least one vacancy on the board since October 2011.  The current two vacant seats have arisen as a result of departures from the board in December 2013 and January 2014.

When I appeared before the Public Accounts Committee on 6 October 2016, I stated that the current make up of the Board is sufficient as long as there is the appropriate range of competencies across the Board. I also stated that it can be difficult to secure the appropriate candidates and I would not fill a vacancy with a makeweight appointment. That remains my position today. The Deputy will be aware that I meet with the Chairman of NAMA on a regular basis to discuss any relevant matters.  In addition, my officials have monthly meetings with NAMA where Board vacancies are discussed as appropriate.

A key consideration for any appointment process is ensuring the most opportune time to attract the most qualified candidates. In this regard, the Deputy will be very much aware that, over the past 2 years, there has been significant interest in the 2014 sale of NAMA's Northern Ireland loan book. The NAMA Board's independent commercial decision to sanction the sale of the portfolio has been publically debated in both parliamentary and media circles. With this in mind, I am advised that it would be challenging to attract suitable candidates to the posts whilst such public discourse continues. However, I, and my officials, will continue to monitor the situation.