NUJ calls for NAMA secrecy to be lifted

THE National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for a lifting of the secrecy which surrounds the operation of the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA).

In a statement to mark World Press Freedom Day NUJ Irish Secretary Séamus Dooley, welcomed the commitment of the Government to reform freedom of information legislation and to introduce a Whistle Blowers Act. Mr Dooley said that the reformed Freedom of Information regime should include extending the act to cover NAMA.

“Irish citizens deserve to know how NAMA makes decisions, why NAMA makes decisions and the cost of these decisions. The culture of secrecy which has been the hallmark of the Department of Finance must be ended. While confidentiality may be appropriate in limited circumstances the shroud of secrecy placed by Mr Lenihan around NAMA is unacceptable. Transparent governance is an essential component of regulation and all agencies associated with the financial sector must be open to ongoing scrutiny,” he said.