asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the fees for auditing the accounts of co-operative societies were substantially increased some time ago; that such increase has given rise to great dissatisfaction amongst members of co-operative societies, who feel that a reduction in fees would be more in accord with the present condition of their industry, and if he will reconsider the matter with a view to having the old rates of remuneration reverted to.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Audit Fees of Co-operative Societies.
Prior to the year 1932 there was no scale of fees in force in the Saorstát for auditing the accounts of co-operative societies, and the fees paid were frequently so small as not to permit of a proper audit. It thus became necessary in the interests of the societies themselves, so that a proper audit of their accounts might be conducted and protection afforded them against possible defaults by managers, etc., to prescribe a scale of fees, and after consultation with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Industry and Commerce, the Revenue Commissioners, the I.A.O.S. (to which the majority of Co-operative Agricultural and Dairy Societies are affiliated) and the accountants' organisations a scale of fees was determined by my predecessor for audits carried out in 1932. Care was taken to draw up a scale which, without unduly taxing the resources of societies, allowed for a satisfactory audit. I am aware that a few societies have expressed dissatisfaction with the scale of fees fixed for last year and continued for the current year, but I am not satisfied that the fees bear severely on societies in general or that a reduction is justified. The scale will come up for review towards the end of the present year, and I am prepared to consider any further representations in the matter that may be made to me in the meantime.