I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 to 208, inclusive, together.
Risk assessment and mitigation measures associated with the decentralisation programme will be outlined in decentralisation implementation plans being drawn up by my Department and each of its organisations included in the decentralisation programme. These issues will also be taken into account in the overall risk assessment programme being developed in my Department. In developing that programme, a preliminary assessment to identify the main risks facing my Department was carried out by senior managers under the coaching and direction of risk management consultants. Building on this work a firm of consultants is at present engaged in the task of helping my Department to draw up a formal risk management strategy to address the full range of issues faced by the Department including strategic, operational, financial and reputational risks. The audit committee will be consulted on the development of this strategy.
With regard to the issue of public financial procedures generally, I assure the Deputy that I am aware of the requirement in the public financial procedures for accounting officers to ensure that all relevant financial considerations are taken fully into account, and where necessary brought to my attention, in relation to the preparation and implementation of policy proposals relating to expenditure or income. All these issues are regularly addressed in my Department. The decentralisation implementation plans will provide further input into the consideration of financial and other aspects of that programme. These plans will be kept under review and further developed as the programme progresses and additional information becomes available.