Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Feb 1962

Vol. 193 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Audit of Irish Steel Holdings, Limited Accounts.

30.

Mr. Colley

asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate in relation to Irish Steel Holdings Limited (a) the statutory provisions under which the accounts of the company are audited by the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, (b) the statutory provisions under which a private firm of auditors and accountants was appointed to examine and approve the accounts of the company, (c) the name of the person or body responsible for the appointment of such private firm, and (d) the funds out of which the fees payable to such private firms have been or will be paid.

31.

Mr. Colley

asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the accounts of Irish Steel Holdings Limited for the year ending 30th June 1961 have been certified by a private firm of auditors and accountants in addition to being certified by an officer of the Comptroller and Auditor General, while the accounts of the Company for the previous year were certified only by an officer of the Comptroller and Auditor General; and that the implications of this matter are a cause of public disquiet; and if he will make a statement in the matter.

Dr. Ryan

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 30 and 31 together. The whole question of the auditing of the accounts of these State-sponsored bodies and companies is at present under consideration.