Ms Mary Hurley:

Yes, I alluded to it in my opening statement about building up the control environment in the Department. We have a very strong internal audit function in the Department, and this issue came to light through routine audit work from the Department. The internal auditor, in reviewing various projects under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme, ORIS, discovered one project in Mayo where funding was drawn down and the works had not been completed. Further examination took place and a further four projects came to light, and I set that out in the appropriation account. Further work was done and ten projects in total were not complete but moneys had been drawn down. Some of these projects were where work had not commenced. Obviously this was a huge concern for the Department and for myself as Accounting Officer, and we moved forward very quickly to engage with Mayo County Council on the issue.