Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 6

Written Answers. - Non-Commercial Agencies.

Richard Bruton

Question:

339 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when annual reports were most recently published for each non-commercial agency under the aegis of his Department; when annual accounts were most recently published by these bodies; whether they are subject to outside scrutiny by the Comptroller and Auditor General or another independent audit body; whether the public have a right to see a register of members' interests in relation to these bodies; whether they allow members of the public attend their meetings; whether board papers or minutes are available for public inspection where matters of commercial or legal confidentiality are not involved; whether there is a procedure specifying the circumstances in which he may direct these bodies; and whether they are free to publish advice relevant to the public without recourse to him. [18945/97]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The statutory agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Combat Poverty Agency, the Pensions Board and the National Social Service Board. Each of these agencies is required, by law, to prepare an annual report and financial accounts for each financial year to the Minister. The financial accounts must be certified by the Comptroller and Auditor-General.

The governing legislation also requires that both the annual report and audited accounts for each agency must be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. In the case of the Combat Poverty Agency, a report of the agency's strategic plans must also be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

The annual report and audited accounts for the financial year 1996 for both the Combat Poverty Agency and the Pensions Board were published in July 1997. The annual report and financial accounts for the National Social Services Board for the financial year 1995 were published last year.

Board members of the agencies concerned are fully aware of the statutory requirements relating to disclosure of interests to the board of the relevant agency. The public does not have a right to see a register of members' interests in relation to each agency.

It is not the practice of any of the agencies to allow members of the public to attend board meetings. Board papers or minutes are not made available to members of the public.

The legislation governing each agency requires them to furnish to the Minister such information relating to its activities, other than those concerning day-to-day matters, as the Minister from time to time may request.

With regard to the publication of advice, the National Social Services Board, has as one of its statutory functions, the provision of information and advice on social services to members of the public. The Pensions Board has a function to issue guidelines or guidance notes on the operation of the Pensions Act 1990.

The Combat Poverty Agency publishes various reports and research documents in fulfilling its remit to promote greater public understanding of the nature and extent of poverty in the State.