MICK WALLACE CLAIMS CONSTRUCTION FIRM PAID NAMA ‘15,000 EURO IN CASH IN A BAG’
NAMA says it is to ask the Garda Commissioner to investigate fresh claims surrounding the agency by Mick Wallace.
The Independent TD has used Dáil privilege to claim a construction company that wanted to exit out of NAMA paid 15,000 euro to someone linked to the agency, “in a bag”, twice, to do so.
He has also alleged that barristers, judges, solicitors, accountancy firm partners and bankers are in syndicates that have transferred to NAMA but have not been enforced.
And he has claimed that the agency knew of money being transferred to an Isle of Man bank account by the purchaser of its Northern Ireland properties as far back as last January – a claim NAMA denies.
NAMA says Deputy Wallace has not provided any evidence to back up his claims, but that CEO Brendan McDonagh is to write to Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan to request an investigation.
Deputy Wallace outlined his claim about a construction company during leaders’ questions to the Taoiseach.
“I know of a construction company Taoiseach who wanted to exit out of NAMA, so they asked the manager of the portfolio can this happen, and he says ‘Yeah, but it’ll cost you 15,000 in cash and I want it in a bag'” he said.
Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett interrupted and said to Mr Wallace: “If you have these sort of charges, can I suggest to you that you give them to the Garda Síochána, because they can’t be substantiated here.”
Mr Wallace continued: “They delivered the money and a few weeks later he demanded the same again – they duly obliged and all was sorted.”
“A small window into the workings of NAMA. Are you still happy Taoiseach, with the workings of this secret society?” he added.
