Call to strengthen watchdog

THE finance minister has been asked to boost the role of the state spending watchdog by strengthening its offices to monitor the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA).

Recommendations have also been sent to Brian Lenihan to consider allowing the spending watchdog to review more state agencies as well as local authorities.

The request was made by the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on behalf of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG).