Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2017
200. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role in oversight his Department has in respect of the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49536/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published its Corporate Governance Framework in April 2016. This Framework sets out the role and responsibilities of the Department and the practices and procedures used in both internal corporate governance and in the Department’s relationship with its agencies.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform published the Revised Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies in August 2016. This Code provides a framework for the application of best practice in corporate governance for State bodies.
Under the Code, the Department is required to establish Oversight and Performance Delivery Agreements (OPDA) with Agencies under its remit and as such, there is an OPDA in place between my Department and the National Transport Agency (NTA). The Board and Management of the NTA are accountable for the proper management of the organisation, and the OPDA makes it clear that the NTA will ensure all necessary frameworks, including those for risk management, internal audit, the Public Spending Code, the Common Appraisal Framework and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies are fully complied with.
Good governance in the public sector encourages better informed and longer term decision-making as well as the efficient use of resources. It is clear that high standards of corporate governance in all State bodies, including the NTA, are vital to ensure a positive contribution to the State’s overall economic efficiency, competitiveness, social cohesion and regional development.
