Written answers

Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Value for Money Reviews

11:00 pm

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 373: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the nature and outcome of any value for money audit carried out by his Department during the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25706/09]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department scheduled six Value for Money reviews on Departmental programmes in the period 2006-2008 and details are set out in the table below. The local Government Audit service carried out two reviews on local authority areas and details are also included in the table.

In addition to this, the internal audit unit of the Department carries out standard internal audits, which focuses on reviewing systems, procedures, internal controls and risk management systems in business units throughout my Department.

Outcome
VFM Review
Online Motor TaxThe review has been completed and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Since the completion of the review, and in line with the review findings, the services available are being extended to include online changes of vehicle ownership.
Rural Water ProgrammeThe review has been completed and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The review recommendations assisted in formulating the Rural Water Programme 2008 and in the restructuring review of the subsidy payments towards the operational costs of group water schemes. Further implementation proposals have been prepared for consideration with a view to incorporation into the next phase of the Action Plan for Rural Water being prepared by the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee.
Ex-post review of the ERDF element of the Water Services Infrastructure Provision of the Economic and Social Infrastructure OPA comprehensive review of the entire Water Services Investment Programme is now being undertaken instead of this more limited historical review of a selection of completed ERDF schemes.
Preliminary Review of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS)Preliminary review finalised. Completed report to be presented to the Oireachtas shortly.
Rental Accommodation Scheme — follow-up on preliminary review.Follow up review will take place in 2010.
Strategic Non-National RoadsResponsibility for this area transferred to the Dept Transport in 2008.
Reviews conducted by the Local Government Audit Service
Follow up report on the Development of Internal Audit in Local AuthoritiesContained recommendations and advice on the establishment of Audit Committees that have now have been set up in county and city councils.
Financial Management Reporting in Local AuthoritiesContained a range of recommendations which drew on best practice in terms of the nature, content and frequency of financial reporting. Actions have been taken by county and city councils.

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