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Nama: Mick Wallace will speak to gardaí over bribery claims

Mick Wallace has made a series of sensational claims about Nama in recent weeks under Dáil privilege
Mick Wallace has made a series of sensational claims about Nama in recent weeks under Dáil privilege Mick Wallace has made a series of sensational claims about Nama in recent weeks under Dáil privilege

MICK Wallace has said he is willing to speak to gardaí about his claims that a Nama official accepted a €30,000 bribe.

The independent TD also defended his decision to raise allegations against a Nama official in the Dáil.

He alleged on Wednesday that a Nama official received a €30,000 bribe "in a bag" to allow a construction firm to leave the agency.

Gardaí have said a Detective Chief Superintendent has been appointed to examine the politician's claims.

Mr Wallace yesterday told RTÉ he would have no problem bringing information to An Garda Síochána.

"I don't have a problem bringing the information to the guards. I do find it interesting that Nama would like to shoot the messenger," he said.

"I wish they would address the real serious concerns we have about how they operate."

Mr Wallace said he would give the name of the company at the centre of the allegations to gardaí.

He dismissed bringing his claims before the south's public accounts committee as a "pointless exercise", and renewed his calls for an independent inquiry.

Gardaí launched its probe after Nama's chief executive Brendan McDonagh sent a letter requesting an investigation into the allegations.

Two weeks ago Mr Wallace alleged in the Dáil that a £7m offshore fund linked to the north's Nama portfolio deal had been earmarked for a Northern Ireland politician.