John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 126: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of value for money and or special reports carried out by the local government audit division in each of the past five years; the plans if any, for such reports and subject matter to be carried out in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7225/12]

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

The Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1997 established, on a statutory basis, a Value for Money (VFM) Unit in Local Government Audit Service. The Unit carries out VFM studies on local authority operations, with a view to identifying best practice and recommending ways of improving existing procedures, practices and systems and, thereby, promoting efficiency and cost effectiveness. VFM audits are being carried out by local government auditors in addition to their normal regulatory audits of local authorities.

The table below details the number of value for money and/or special reports carried out by the Value for Money Unit in the Local Government Audit Service in each of the past five years.

The VFM Unit plans for the following reports to be carried out in 2012: 1. VFM National Report -Absenteeism in local authorities. 2. VFM Progress Reports

Follow-up reports on the progress, by local authorities, on implementation of the recommendations contained in three VFM National Reports are currently being carried out by the VFM Unit. The reports in question concern social and affordable housing, development contributions, and management and maintenance of vacant dwellings in local authorities.

3. Spot-Checks of Capital Projects

Spot-checks of capital projects, funded by my Department and undertaken by local authorities which were either in progress or completed during 2010 and/or 2011 are being carried out by the Unit at present. The spot-check of capital projects is to ensure compliance with guidelines issued by the Department of Finance for the appraisal and management of capital expenditure proposals in the public sector.

The work of the VFM unit is subject to oversight by a Committee comprising senior officials of my Department and local authorities and chaired by the independent Director of the Local Government Audit Service.