Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 June 2019
101. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the corporate governance and compliance structures of the Institute of Public Administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24537/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) that they are in compliance with the relevant corporate governance standards which apply to the organisation. I am also advised that the organisation’s Board are committed to ensuring that a corporate culture which supports high governance standards is fostered and maintained.
The IPA is a Company Limited by Guarantee and as such is subject to the Governance framework as decreed by the Companies Acts 2014 including the publication of audited statutory annual financial statements in the format as laid down by FRS 102. The IPA, as an organisation which is classified as a public body for the purposes of certain legislation, and in receipt of grant funding from my Department, has also adopted the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and reflects this in their Annual Report and Accounts.
The IPA Board has an Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) whose terms of reference are compliant with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016. Two further committees, namely the Finance and Strategy Committee and the Administration Committee, also assist the Board in discharging its oversight role.
The IPA annually undergoes the statutory audit of the IPA financial statements by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Finally, I can confirm that the Department has a written oversight agreement with the IPA, as set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and confirm that my officials meet regularly with members of the IPA’s senior management team to monitor the implementation of this agreement.
