Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 May 2017
42. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when her attention was drawn to an interim internal audit into financial irregularities at the Garda training college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23760/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra43. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that the Garda Commissioner notified her promptly and appropriately in respect of the Commissioner first coming aware of financial irregularities at the Garda training college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23761/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
My Department received a copy of the draft Interim Internal Audit Report regarding the finances at the Garda College at Templemore from An Garda Síochána's Head of the Internal Audit on 16 September 2016. I understand that the draft report was sent to all interested parties for their observations before being finalised. A copy of the final Report was received by my Department from the Garda Commissioner on 27 March 2017. As I have previously indicated, the circumstances giving rise to notifications in relation to certain matters to me or my Department are primarily a matter for the judgement of the Garda Authorities, in the light of relevant legal provisions and the nature and extent of information available at a particular time.
As the Deputy will be aware I have indicated publicly my concern at the findings of the Interim Internal Audit Report. As the Deputy will also be aware the Public Accounts Committee is examining the Commissioner in relation to the Interim Audit Report and intends to resume that examination in the coming weeks, and will report subsequently. Very particular responsibilities lie with Accounting Officers and you will appreciate that I must be careful not to interfere in any way with the work of that Committee. I can assure the Deputy that I will pay very careful attention to the proceedings at the Committee and, in particular, any report they may make. If action is required on my part as a result, I will not hesitate to take it.
While, of course, there has to be accountability in relation to what went on at the College, the immediate priority has to be ensuring the problems identified in the audit are resolved. I have been assured that the Garda Authorities recognise the gravity of the issues raised and that they are taking comprehensive steps to progress the recommendations in the Report. External governance expertise and auditors have been engaged. A Steering Committee, chaired by the Garda Síochána Chief Administrative Officer and including a representative from my Department, is overseeing the implementation of the recommendations. In addition, upon receipt of the report I referred it to the Policing Authority to oversee the implementation of the recommendations and to report back to me each quarter. I expect the Authority to submit its first report to me in July.
