Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 5 October 2006 and the ensuing supplementary questions and replies, the stage of his investigations in regard to the matters raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37015/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I must reiterate, firstly, that my Department had no role in the awarding by NUI Galway of a part-time employment contract to the former Údarás na Gaeltachta Chief Executive and, secondly, that, as Minister, I have no statutory function in regard to the day-to-day administration of Údarás na Gaeltachta.

However, in view of the concerns expressed in regard to the matter, I can confirm to the Deputy that officials from my Department met with senior management of Údarás na Gaeltachta on 18th October last to seek clarification on issues relating to corporate governance.

Arising from this meeting, a letter has now issued to Údarás setting out the Department's concerns in the matter and seeking a number of reassurances to ensure best practice prevails for the future. Copies of this letter have been forwarded to both the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Secretary-General of the Department of Education and Science. In addition, I have arranged for a copy of the letter to be made available to Deputy O'Shea who raised the matter in this House.