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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 1991

Vol. 412 No. 5

Written Answers. - Government Financial Advice.

John Bruton

Question:

104 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance whether he has satisfied himself with (a) the extent of in-house expertise in Government Departments on financial matters and (b) the extent to which Departments have to rely on an ad hoc basis with outside consultants to assist them in very basic matters of financial supervision.

I am generally satisfied that Departments have adequate in-house experience to discharge their financial responsibilities. Departments may also call on the expertise available in the Department of Finance.

I should point out that, within the constraints of the available resources it is the responsibility of the individual Departments to take steps to see that they have the necessary expertise and systems to discharge their financial functions effectively. In particular under the system of delegated administrative budgets, Departments must assess their own requirements and priorities in these areas. As with any organisation dealing with financial matters, outside financial expertise will from time to time be required.
The role of the Department of Finance is to encourage Departments generally to exercise good financial management. Section 4 of the Department of Finance publication,Public Financial Procedures (1990), which has been sent to all accounting officers, sets out the duties and responsibilities of Departments in regard to financial management, including financial supervision of bodies and agencies under their aegis. Appropriate training in financial management is provided either within the Civil Service or using outside bodies such as the Institute of Public Administration. In some situations where particular expertise is required outside consultants may be engaged for specific projects.
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