Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2004
10 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach the number of internal audit reports completed in his Department since January 2001; the title of each completed audit report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17416/04]
View answerSince January 2001, five internal audit reports have been completed by the internal audit unit and approved by the internal audit committee of my Department. The reports are as follows: the service provision of advertising; training and development; computer equipment; State entertainment; and courier services, value for money exercise. The reports have been forwarded to the Secretary General of my Department in his capacity as Accounting Officer.
Was an internal audit carried out on the Abbotstown project, given the vast sums of money spent on Campus Stadium Ireland? Is the IFSC clearing house group considering the potential effect on the IFSC and the international financial services industry of changes to the tax laws to which the Taoiseach referred? Was an internal audit carried out of procedures at the Department of the Taoiseach in respect of the Government initiative on decentralisation? While the Department of the Taoiseach is not subject to decentralisation, eight other ministries and their policy centres are being moved to various locations around the country. Was an audit carried out of how the working relationships with the Department of the Taoiseach and other policy making units of the Government would be affected?
I answered that question yesterday. It was not dealt with by the internal audit unit. All Departments examine in full how the post-decentralisation process will affect them but the internal audit unit did not do this work. The Secretaries General and senior officials have been involved in considering decentralisation from all aspects, including in regard to technology, the availability of meetings and cross-departmental groups. All issues are being considered, although some issues have been dealt with. The internal audit unit is a small section of the Department. It continually examines efficiencies, financial mechanisms, training and computer equipment within the Department to ensure there is no abuse, wastage or overlapping and that we get value for money.
The internal audit unit was also not involved in regard to Abbotstown. However, a full examination took place within the Department some years ago which was subsequently reported to the Committee of Public Accounts.
