3. What recent discussions he has had with the Republic of Ireland’s National Asset Management Agency on its operations in Northern Ireland. (84782)

Treasury officials have met NAMA officials as part of the bilateral engagement between the Irish and UK Governments. Day-to-day operational decisions are a matter for NAMA and its overall strategic decisions are set by the Irish Government.

I thank the Financial Secretary for that answer. As of today, NAMA is the single largest property owner in Northern Ireland. It is also the single largest creditor operating in Northern Ireland. It threatens to put 150 businesses and individuals into receivership. What are the Government doing strategically to address the needs of the economy in Northern Ireland to prevent NAMA from aggressively putting people out of business and taking blood from the stone?

I understand the concerns that the hon. Gentleman has identified, and I know that the hon. Member for East Antrim (Sammy Wilson) has had discussions with NAMA and the Irish Government about NAMA’s strategy in Northern Ireland. I encourage the hon. Member for North Antrim (Ian Paisley) to use the mechanism that is available to Members of Parliament and of the Northern Ireland Assembly to raise his concerns with NAMA directly.