asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has satisfied himself regarding the internal audit procedures within his Department.
Written Answers. - Departmental Internal Audit Procedures.
14.
I am satisfied that there is a strong internal audit unit in my Department, with the capacity to cover a comprehensive programme of audit activity in all areas of the Department. The activities of the unit since its inception in 1985, have led to the tightening up of controls in a number of areas as well as the adoption of new controls and the effect of this — along with the results of the work of other investigative units in the Department — has greatly improved the control environment in my Department. Prior to the setting up of the internal audit unit this function was performed by a small section within the Accounts Branch. Since 1985 it has been gradually built up to the status of a fully independent unit within the Department.