Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
746. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the agency responsible for auditing the financial accounts of Irish Water on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6238/19]
View answerIn accordance with the Water Services Act 2013, as amended, the Companies Act 2014, as amended, and Irish Water’s Constitution, Irish Water appoints auditors to audit its financial accounts. Deloitte has been appointed to audit Irish Water’s accounts and its current term of appointment concludes with the 2018 financial year end audits. The Ervia Board’s decision to appoint Deloitte as Irish Water’s auditors was on the basis of Ervia’s appointment of Deloitte as auditors to audit the financial accounts of Ervia. The appointment of the same auditor across Ervia and its subsidiaries, including Irish Water, is considered to be the most practical approach for Ervia.
In accordance with the Gas Act 1976, as amended, the appointment of auditors for Ervia is currently being considered for the 2019 financial year end audits and beyond, and such a decision necessitates my approval. The appointment of the same auditor across Ervia and its subsidiaries, including Irish Water, will be addressed as part of this Ministerial consent process in due course. Account will also be taken of the ongoing consideration of the potential role for the Comptroller and Auditor General, as outlined in my reply to Question No. 209 of 6 February 2019.
