Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2012
68 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the contact he has had to date with the National Asset Management Agency with regard to the use of NAMA buildings for cultural purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5193/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputies to my replies to a number of previous Parliamentary Questions on this matter. I have met the chair and chief executive of NAMA in relation to the potential use of NAMA buildings for cultural purposes.
NAMA was set up to acquire loans from certain financial institutions and it does not own property as such. In most cases, the property securing these loans is under the control of the debtor and will remain so as long as the debtor continues to meet his obligations. In the case of certain debtors, NAMA has taken enforcement action and the property securing the loans is now under the control of receivers or other insolvency agents appointed by NAMA.
My Department will continue engagement with NAMA in instances where assets of shared interest arise. In that regard, I would like to welcome the re-opening of the Lighthouse Cinema last week.
