Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2017
89. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will publish a Garda internal audit section report (details supplied) in view of the fact that the report states that no assurances can be given regarding financial controls at the Garda training college being compliant with public financial procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3776/17]
View answerThe report to which the Deputy refers is a draft interim Internal Audit Report of the financial procedures in the Garda College prepared by the Internal Audit Section of An Garda Síochána. My Department received a copy of the draft report from An Garda Síochána's Head of Internal Audit on 16 September 2016. I understand that the draft report was sent to all interested parties for their observations before being finalised.
As I have said previously, I would of course be concerned by any irregularity in audits and accounting at the Garda College. Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and it is, therefore, for her to address the findings and recommendations in the report. While the report remains to be finalised, I understand that the Commissioner has accepted in principle its findings and that steps are in train to address the recommendations. In particular, a Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Administrative Officer and including a representative of my Department, has been established to oversee the implementation of the recommendations.
In the normal course it can be expected that the final report will be furnished to the Comptroller and Auditor General by the Commissioner for his information and for any further enquiries he may wish to make.
