Commission of investigation into NAMA
Deputy Cullinane sought clarity on the promised commission of investigation into NAMA and rejected reliance on the PAC report alone. The Tánaiste again said the PAC report should be awaited first.
I again put it to the Tánaiste that she needs to provide clarity on the need for a commission of investigation into NAMA because it was promised and committed to. The Tánaiste's response is inadequate. Yesterday, the Minister for Finance and Fianna Fáil put forward a straw man argument in respect of the Committee of Public Accounts.
The Committee of Public Accounts is doing a cost analysis of the transaction. It was not in a position to look at any allegations of criminality or wrongdoing, which as the Tánaiste, the Minister for Finance and Fianna Fáil all know can only be done through a full commission of investigation. I believe we are being primed for a row-back both by the Government and by Fianna Fáil. I ask the Tánaiste to clarify whether the Government is absolutely committed to the commission of investigation promised in November.
Comment on this
I have made it clear that we should await the publication of the Committee of Public Accounts report in the first instance. The Taoiseach engaged with all leaders when the issue came up first. I have no doubt that the Minister, Deputy Noonan, will address the issue again. As the Deputy said, there was detailed discussion here yesterday.