My Department's audit committee was appointed in October 2003 for a period of two years. There are four committee members, three of whom were appointed in October 2003 with a fourth person appointed in May 2004. The four members, whose commitment and work is greatly valued, are: Fr. Gerry O'Connor, chairperson, Professor John Jackson, Mr. John Pittock and Ms Valerie Little. The committee operates under a written charter and have held six meetings since its appointment. The committee has not to date issued any reports to either myself or the Secretary General of the Department.