Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 100: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the terms of reference of the Comptroller and Auditor General's value for money inquiry relating to the management information framework system; the date the result of this inquiry is due; the steps he is taking to ensure future overspending on such e-Government initiatives is avoided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2330/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Comptroller and Auditor General is a constitutional officer who is independent in the exercise of his statutory functions, including those in relation to value for money examinations. He decides on the work to be carried out by his Office and the manner in which it is carried out. In doing so, he is not required to consult my Department. Consequently, I consider that it would be inappropriate for me to express a view on those matters. Likewise, it would be inappropriate for me to speculate about what conclusions he might reach in the course of an examination. I am aware that the C&AG is undertaking a value for money examination of the impact of the Management Information Framework. As with any examination that the C&AG undertakes, my Department will cooperate with his Office to ensure that the examination is completed in a timely and efficient manner. As a member of the Committee of Public Accounts, the Deputy will be aware that Standing Order 158 (8) of this House provides for the Committee to make such suggestions to the C&AG regarding his work as it sees fit. The Deputy may consider raising the issue through that channel if she wishes to find out more about this particular examination.

The Management Information Framework was under the "Delivering Better Government" initiative. The Deputy may wish to note that the project was completed slightly below the estimate of €60 million.

As regards controlling expenditure on projects, I would point out that a number of measures have been taken to help in that regard, including the revised Capital Appraisal Guidelines of February 2005 and the Value for Money Circular of 26th January 2006 which apply to all capital expenditure. The responsibility for the management of each project and for ensuring Value for Money rests with the individual Department and Agency in the first instance and each must appoint a project manager for all major capital projects. The project manager is required to report to senior management or the Management Advisory Committee as appropriate at regular intervals on progress versus the contract.