Education Centre Network

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2019

Wednesday, 10 July 2019

Ceisteanna (211)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

211. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the accounts of a centre (details supplied) are not available on its website in view of the fact it is funded by taxpayers money and that his officials undertook to consider publishing education centres' annual accounts on websites as part of the governance modernisation programme; the number of the 21 centres that publish their accounts online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30446/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Education Centres are independent statutory bodies under Section 37 of the Education Act (1998) and are managed by voluntary management committees elected annually.

Under my Department’s governance and accountability arrangements, Centres are required to have their accounts audited and the audit report must be submitted along with the Centre’s annual report to the Department.

Education Centres are not currently required to publish their audited accounts on their website. Officials of my Department will consider the publication of Education Centres audited accounts as part of the governance modernisation programme that my Department is undertaking in respect of Education Centres.