Ms Niamh O'Donoghue:

It is shared by a number of players, including by the individuals concerned and local managers. It also lies with the operation of the shared services system in processing information. There have been difficulties and time lags in the reporting and interaction of information on sick leave and pay. As it is now a much more complex environment, there are many more complex checks that have to be carried out before a payroll instruction can be issued by the shared services division. That can mean somebody being paid when he or she is not entitled to be paid and the issue is only dealt with in arrears. There is shared ownership in taking action at Department level and in the shared services division.