Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 November 2015
61. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the funding allocated by his Department to organisations not audited directly by the Comptroller and Auditor General; the names of these organisations; the funding allocated to each over the past five years; the process in place to ensure that value for money is achieved and that the funding allocated is audited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38670/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn answer to the Deputy's question, I am interpreting the term "organisation" to mean "Bodies under the aegis of my Department". Of the 18 Bodies under the aegis of my Department one, the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, is in receipt of funding allocated by my Department that is audited indirectly by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
The Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal is housed in the National Rehabilitation Hospital. Accordingly, an annual payment to the National Rehabilitation Hospital to cover the costs of operating the Board is made from the Vote of the Office of the Minister for Finance. €330,000 per annum was allocated for the funding of the Board between 2011 and 2015 inclusive.
The Medical Board of Appeal is not audited by the Comptroller & Auditor General. However, as part of the year ended 31 December 2013, the payment to the National Rehabilitation Hospital made by the Department was audited by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General and following the Department's response there were no follow-up queries.
The accounts of the National Rehabilitation Hospital are audited and published annually. My Department is currently working to put in place a Service Level Agreement to place the relationship with the National Rehabilitation Hospital on a firmer footing, and this Agreement will ensure that the Medical Board of Appeal continues to meet its targets and provides value for money.
