Public Financial Procedures.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2004

Thursday, 20 May 2004

Ceisteanna (56)

John Bruton

Ceist:

56 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Secretary General brought to her attention all relevant financial consideration for decisions being taken in accordance to relevant sections of public finance procedures; and if a decision was taken in recent times where the Secretary General did not have an opportunity to comply with this aspect of public finance procedures prior to a decision being taken or announced which had financial implications. [14958/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I am satisfied that there are adequate systems of internal financial control in place in my Department to ensure compliance with public financial procedures.

The internal audit function of my Department provides assurance to the accounting officer by carrying out an annual programme of work. This was expanded over the past year to take on board the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on the Accountability of Secretaries General and Accounting Officers, commonly referred to as the Mullarkey report.

In March 2004, the Secretary General of my Department, as accounting officer, signed a statement on internal financial control in respect of the 2003 appropriation account, acknowledging responsibility for ensuring that an effective system of internal financial controls is in place, maintained and operated by the Department.