Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 148: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the most recent audit carried out on one of the programme countries; the findings of this audit; the person who carried out this audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10325/08]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Irish Aid has in place rigorous accounting and audit controls. Audits of the Irish Aid programme are undertaken on the basis of a three-year rolling work plan, managed by the Evaluation and Audit Unit, with clear priority being given to the audit of expenditure in programme countries. The strategy embraces four separate, though very complementary, approaches:

(a) Work carried out directly by Irish Aid's Evaluation and Audit Unit, and by our internal auditors based at Missions in programme countries;

(b) Work carried out by internationally-reputable audit firms commissioned by Irish Aid;

(c) Joint donor-funded audits of specific programmes (e.g. of the health sector in Mozambique, where Ireland jointly funds an audit with Canada, Denmark and Switzerland), and

(d) Audit reports obtained from partner organisations (e.g. those carried out by National Audit Offices and by Non-governmental Organisations).

The Missions in programme countries oversee the disbursement of significant sums of money under Ireland's Aid Programme. Audits of the programmes in each country are commissioned annually. The audit report on the Zambia Programme was completed recently by an internationally-recognised firm, Moores Rowland. In line with standard working practices, Management has provided written responses to the findings and recommendations in this report and will follow-up on the implementation of the recommendations made.

The Department also has an Audit Committee, which provides an independent appraisal of our audit and evaluation arrangements through regular interaction with the Evaluation and Audit Unit and with Senior Management. The Committee meets regularly with the Secretary General and, annually, with the Comptroller and Auditor General. It also publishes an annual report on its work. Its 2006 report is available at www.dfa.ie. The Audit Committee, which is extremely active, helps ensure that the Evaluation and Audit Unit meets its Mission Statement on the audit of the Aid Programme. In pursuit of this, the Committee regularly reviews the policy, procedures and work plans of the Unit to ensure it is operating to the highest standards.