Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 May 2017
44. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the action she has taken since her attention was drawn to a bank account opened in the Garda training college without her permission as cited in an interim audit report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23762/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware I have indicated publicly my concern at the findings of the Interim Internal Audit Report in relation to the finances of the Garda College Templemore. As the Deputy will also be aware, the Public Accounts Committee is examining the Garda 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 the Committee. I can assure the Deputy that I will pay very careful attention to the proceedings at the Committee and, in particular, any report that it makes. 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.
Insofar as the account to which the Deputy refers is concerned, I understand that an instruction has been issued by the Garda Authorities to the relevant bank that the account should be closed.
