Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2017
100. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Finance if he will proceed with establishing a commission of investigation into the sale of Project Eagle by NAMA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15506/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that Statements on the Establishment of Commission of Investigation into NAMA were taken in this House on Wednesday, 1 February 2017. As indicated on that occasion, the sensible course of action was to wait for the publication and consideration of the Public Accounts Committee's ("PAC") report before deciding on next steps.
The Deputy will be also aware that, on 15 September 2016, the Taoiseach met party leaders to hear their views on the potential establishment and possible terms of reference of a Commission of Investigation. The Taoiseach subsequently received a number of submissions on the matter. The Taoiseach met party leaders again on 4 October 2016 and agreed in principle that the Government would establish a Commission of Investigation under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004.
I am advised that the party leaders acknowledged that there would be limitations on any Commission's work given the location of potential witnesses and documentation outside the jurisdiction and in light of ongoing criminal investigations and that any potential terms of reference would need to recognise this fact.
The PAC Report is scheduled to be discussed in the Dáil on 29th March. Following that discussion, we will have an opportunity to evaluate potential next steps.
