Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 1

Written Answers. - Young Offenders Schools.

Michael McDowell

Question:

162 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Education whether the Comptroller and Auditor General raised any queries with her Department in the course of the project audit on the special schools for young offenders which was published in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report of 1990; if so, the dates on which such queries were raised; if her Department consulted or informed the Department of Finance in respect of the queries raised by the Comptroller and Auditor General; if so, the dates involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11034/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

No audit queries were raised with my Department by the Comptroller and Auditor General in the course of the project audit on special schools for young offenders in 1990.

However, the Comptroller and Auditor General's Office did consult with my Department on aspects of the operation of the schools in question during the course of its audit exercise. The outcome of the project audit was also discussed with my Department prior to the publication of the 1990 report in November 1991.

There is no requirement on my Department to advise the Department of Finance of its activities in the area of auditing schools. Where the Comptroller and Auditor General raises issues in his report, the issue will automatically come to the attention of the Department of Finance.