Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 1

Written Answers. - Semi-State Companies' Audit Systems.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

146 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Marine if, in respect of each semi-State company responsible to his Department, he will outline (a) the type of internal audit system which has been established, (b) when it commenced to function, (c) the way in which it functions and (d) to whom it reports; whether he has satisfied himself that the system combines the necessary elements of scrutiny and managerial autonomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

The questions raised by the Deputy relate to the internal management of the bodies concerned. Some 38 bodies of a semi-State or statutory nature report to my Department. The accounts of these bodies are by and large subject to audit by either the Comptroller and Auditor General or the Local Government Audit Service or professional auditing firms.

Most of these bodies are small in nature and formal internal audit structures have not been established. However, the boards and management of these bodies have in place various procedures designed to ensure that the scope for any irregularities is minimised. On the basis of the reports of the external auditors, I have no reason to believe that there are any serious deficiencies in present procedures.

In the light of recent developments I am reminding all the bodies under my aegis of their responsibilities and the importance of having in place adequate internal procedures in this regard.