asked the Minister for Transport and Power if any of the semi-State bodies under the aegis of his Department is obliged by statute to furnish an annual report; if so, if any such body has failed to furnish a report within the time limit laid down for it by statute; the reasons for the delay; and what action he proposes to take to ensure the early production of such reports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Semi-State Body Reports.
19.
The semi-State bodies under the aegis of my Department, with the exception of Irish Shipping Limited, are required by statute to furnish annual reports and audited accounts. Although no such requirement exists in the case of Irish Shipping Limited, it has been the practice for that company to furnish an annual report and accounts. CIE and Óstlanna Iompair Éireann are required by the relevant legislation to furnish audited accounts only but both bodies also submit annual reports on their activities.
No explicit time limit for the submission of annual reports and accounts has been laid down, except in the case of Bord na Móna who are required in accordance with section 59 of the Turf Development Act, 1946, to have their accounts audited within 90 days after the end of the year to which they relate and to submit them to me immediately thereafter.
The semi-State bodies usually furnish their annual reports and accounts to me within a reasonable time after the end of the year to which they relate. Delays have occurred on a few occasions in the submission of such reports and accounts, but these have resulted from unforeseen factors such as labour disputes.
In the cases where there is a statutory requirement, has that statutory requirement always been met?
Yes.
Would the Minister say whether there is authority given to the Minister to lengthen the period within which the reports must be made and is it not true that a shortage of accountants in this city seems to be one of the reasons why delays do occur?
The only one that has arisen has been the ESB one which was caused by the strike of the clerical staff last year. That held up the submission of their report. That is the only one that has arisen.