Pearse Doherty
Question:65. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the possible implications for the State if a State backed bank is found to have committed fraud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40725/14]
View answerThursday, 23 October 2014
Questions (65, 66)
Pearse Doherty
Question:66. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the timeframe and to what extent the activities of State backed banks are monitored to ensure they are operating in a way that will not leave the State open to financial or reputational damage. [40726/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
The Deputy will be aware that each of the State backed banks takes steps to ensure proper risk management and governance structures are in place (supported by robust internal audit structures). Further details of these steps are set out in the annual reports of each of the State backed banks. In addition to this, each of the State backed banks is subject to independent external audit review and ongoing regulatory oversight by the Central Bank of Ireland. Nothing arising from these internal or external processes has been brought to my attention to indicate a weakness at any of the banks which would materially increase the risk of a fraud being committed.
In relation to the Deputy's question on the possible implications for the State if a State backed bank was to be found to have committed fraud, I am not prepared to speculate on such a hypothetical matter, however, I would encourage any party who is aware of any incidences of fraud whether in the State backed banks or otherwise to report such fraud to An Garda Síochána.