Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2015
70. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the reason land and property thus far sold by the National Asset Management Agency to public bodies was not openly advertised to the public at any time during the sale process; and the way this represents best value for the taxpayer. [26113/15]
View answerNAMA, in the context of its overriding commercial mandate, seeks to manage its portfolio in Ireland in a way that complements the objectives of other public bodies, including Government departments, State agencies and local authorities. In line with this, I am informed by NAMA that in circumstances where public bodies initiate engagement with NAMA and indicate an interest in acquiring a specific asset which is for sale, NAMA, wherever feasible, affords the public body first option on the acquisition of the asset.
NAMA has, through this policy, facilitated the sale of land and property for a range of public uses including the provision of social housing, schools and primary health care facilities. I am further advised by NAMA that all such transactions are conducted on a fully commercial basis by reference to independently assessed market valuations and, as a result, there is no diminution in NAMA's return to Irish taxpayers in such transactions. NAMA's commitment to working with public bodies in this way is very welcome and represents a very important contribution in areas such as social housing, education and healthcare provision.
