There is a dedicated internal audit unit in the Department. The role of the internal audit unit is to give assurance as to the adequacy of my Department's internal control systems. This is done through the performance of systems audits of the Department's expenditure. The internal audit unit also has certain prescribed duties under a number of EU regulations. The internal audit unit has 21 staff, four of whom have accountancy qualifications, two chartered accountants, a CIPFA accountant and an accounting technician. In addition, the unit also has a qualified information technology systems auditor and a postgraduate with a master's degree in agricultural science. All staff of the internal audit receive dedicated internal audit unit training provided either by the Civil Service training and development centre or the Institute of Public Administration.