Gardaí are to investigate claims that a Nama official sought and received a €15,000 bribe in a bag from a construction company so it could be allowed leave the agency.

Poor loan documentation will undermine attempts by the IBRC special liquidator to sell loan books relating to the former Anglo Irish Private Bank, according to people familiar with the situation.

Wealthy professional classes are set to come under increased pressure as the IBRC attempts to recover hundreds of millions now due on money borrowed to invest in heavily loss-making property funds.

Bank of Ireland’s Newgrange equity fund, which was put together in mid-Nov 2006, is currently -5.5% under water, although there has been a significant recovery in value since the low in stock markets in early 2009, said the bank.