Departmental Records

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 November 2016

Wednesday, 9 November 2016

Questions (145)

Seán Fleming

Question:

145. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will provide a list of all contingent assets in her Department and in agencies under her Department where amounts can be owed but are not listed in the national accounts as an asset; if she will further provide a full breakdown of each category of contingent assets and the estimated amounts in the category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34070/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

I am advised that while contingent assets are provided for in international accounting standards, they only apply to entities that use the accruals basis of accounting. The Vote for my Department is accounted for in the annual Appropriation Accounts on a cash basis in accordance with the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act. Notes to the annual accounts are provided on foot of policies specified in the circulars issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and, in accordance with these accounting requirements, there is no reporting in relation to contingent assets.

In relation to those agencies under the aegis of my Department, I am advised that they do not have any contingent assets that that would come within the scope of the Deputy's Question.