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Protected Disclosures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020

Tuesday, 3 November 2020

Ceisteanna (1576, 1577, 1578, 1579)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

1576. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the action she has taken in relation to whistle-blower disclosures made to and regarding a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32393/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

1577. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an audit of an area (details supplied) took place in March 2020; and the actions that have been taken by the relevant authorities on foot of its findings. [32394/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

1578. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the appointment by the local authority of an external person to work with a body (details supplied) in relation to ongoing issues there has taken place; and the cost of this external assistance. [32395/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

1579. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a body (details supplied) was fined in 2015 by Pobal; the reason for this; and the actions taken by relevant bodies since to avoid a repetition of the actions that resulted in this fine. [32396/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1576 to 1579, inclusive, together.

In January 2020 the Local Government Audit Service (LGAS) carried out an audit of Waterford Area Partnership (WAP) in relation to SICAP, covering the 2018 financial year. Findings highlighted weaknesses in the current control environment. The financial management and governance of the company were identified as requiring immediate action. There had also been some contact in relation to the matter by individuals within WAP to both my Department and Waterford City and County Council, however no protected disclosures were made.

Officials from my Department, Pobal and Waterford City and County Council have met regularly since January to discuss the audit findings and to agree solutions. The overall priority has been to ensure the continued delivery of programmes such as the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and that supports and services to disadvantaged individuals and communities continue to be delivered, particularly in the context of COVID-19, while also ensuring that the findings of the audit process are addressed as quickly as possible. As part of this process, WAP were required to submit a detailed proposal setting out the actions and timelines for addressing the audit findings and the associated costs.

The plan submitted indicated an acceptance by WAP of the audit findings and a willingness and openness to address the issues arising. The local authority, Pobal and DRCD acknowledged the continuing work being undertaken by WAP and in particular their ongoing work through SICAP and their contribution to the local efforts to address the unprecedented level of need arising from the COVID-19 crisis.

It was also agreed to work with and support the WAP Board of Directors in building on their efforts to date to address governance weaknesses. As part of the collaborative approach to date, an external company has been engaged to work with WAP to put in place a more sustainable governance structure to ensure the continued delivery of social inclusion programmes in Waterford. The cost of this external support is €25,168.

On the separate matter of monies being reclaimed by Waterford LCDC (who manage the SICAP contract locally), on foot of a Pobal audit, it was established that WAP spent some of their 2015 SICAP allocation outside programme rules. This resulted in a financial correction being imposed on WAP. SICAP programme rules must be strictly applied and complied with, particularly given that the programme is part funded by the EU through the European Social Fund.

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