Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015
290. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has been informed as to whether corruption claims involving the sale of the National Asset Management Agency's Northern Ireland portfolio are under investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28791/15]
View answer291. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has been informed as to whether corruption claims involving the sale of the National Asset Management Agency's Northern Ireland portfolio are under investigation by An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28792/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 290 and 291 together.
While I am aware of recent reports in the media that law enforcement authorities in Northern Ireland and the UK National Crime Agency are to carry out an investigation into the alleged diversion of professional fees owing to a Northern Ireland law firm by its former managing partner. In a public statement on the matter, Tughans have said: "a former partner diverted to an account of which he was the sole beneficiary, professional fees due to the firm without the knowledge of the partners".
These are extremely concerning allegations and should be investigated.
However, as far as I am aware, the sale of NAMA's Northern Ireland debtor loan portfolio is not subject to investigation by any law enforcement authority and neither I nor NAMA have been contacted by An Garda Síochána, the PSNI nor the UK National Crime Agency regarding these matters.
