Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 4

Written Answers. - Alleged Fraud in Office of Public Works.

Michael Ahern

Ceist:

51 Mr. M. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance whether an investigation has been carried out into alleged fraud in the Office of Public Works; if so, the outcome of this investigation; the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure a non-recurrence of such practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11584/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Coveney)

An investigation by the Garda Fraud Squad into suspected irregularities in a small number of rental payments, identified by the Office's own audit system, is ongoing.

Independent auditors have been appointed to validate all rental payments and to make recommendations in relation to any additional control measures that might be appropriate. Their final report is expected before the end of June.

From the examination of rental payments to date there is no evidence to suggest that the suspected irregularities go beyond the cases already identified. Recommendations for any necessary additions to control systems will be implemented immediately.