Courts / Meath / Report

Former NAMA official avoids jail for leaking confidential information

Date
2016-05-12
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dunboyne
County
Meath

Summary

In May 2016 a former National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) official, Enda Farrell, was sentenced to a two‑year suspended term for unlawfully disclosing confidential NAMA valuation data. Farrell, aged 40, sent records covering hundreds of properties—including those of major developers, NAMA's hotel portfolio and German holdings—to QED Equity Ltd. and Canaccord Genuity between May and July 2012. He pleaded guilty to eight counts under the 2009 NAMA Act. The court found no evidence that Farrell benefited personally or that NAMA's business was harmed. Judge Karen O'Connor noted the breach of trust and Farrell's attempts to bypass security as aggravating factors, but also his cooperation and admission of wrongdoing. The sentence was fully suspended, with no custodial time imposed. Farrell had not profited from the leaks, and NAMA suffered no loss from the disclosures. The case highlighted the pressures faced by NAMA staff and the importance of safeguarding confidential information.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former NAMA official avoids jail for leaking confidential information. Charges or matters: eight counts of of unlawfully disclosing information, in breach of the 2009 NAMA Act, between May and July 2012. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Enda Farrell

Defendant

Charges: eight counts of of unlawfully disclosing information, in breach of the 2009 NAMA Act, between May and July 2012 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Photo: Collins) By Declan Brennan and Fiona Ferguson A former official with the National Asset Management Agency who leaked potentially sensitive information has been given a two year suspended sentence. Judge O'Connor imposed a two year sentence which she suspended in full.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Topics

Stage Sentence

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request