Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

The Department has accepted the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report and has put in place a set of updated processes and standards which will appraise offers and manage and oversee contracts. Extensive new checks and balances have been put in place to ensure high standards of oversight on invoicing. Queries and irregularities have been identified through a checklist process. These have been reviewed and recoupments made to the Department.

Treatment of VAT is a matter between the relevant providers and Revenue. As discussed in the report, there is variance in how different aspects of IPAS may have applied that.

In relation to food accommodation and other subheadings, within payments to one provider group issues relating to VAT charges arose and were reviewed. My officials understand that this provider has completed a self-correction exercise with the Revenue on the matter and that no funds are outstanding to the State. The Department continues to conduct ongoing process improvements in relation to management and oversight of invoices and all related tax matters.

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