asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware of concern expressed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants on the recommendations contained in the British Report known as the Greenside Committee recommendations, and its effect on members of the profession in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - British Accountancy Report .
162.
: The Greenside Committee, which was appointed by three British accountancy bodies, has made recommendations to those bodies concerning measures to bring their investigatory and disciplinary procedures relating to complaints of unsatisfactory work by members into line with each other and to co-operate with each other in such matters.
Because of their liaison with accountancy organisations in Britain and because they operate in the North of Ireland also, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland have been invited to participate in the examination of the proposals of the Greenside Committee. I understand that, while agreeing in principle with these proposals, the council of the institute have taken no decision on the matter pending detailed consideration of certain legal, and possibly constitutional, implications of participation. The institute intend to have discussions with my Department when they have examined the proposals in detail.
Over the past year my Department have had preliminary discussions with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland and the Irish Region of the Association of Certified Accountants about measures to ensure that proper professional accounting standards are maintained. It is hoped to resume discussions soon with the three accountancy bodies.
Pending the outcome of discussions with accountancy bodies, it would be premature to make any further statement.