AUDIT COMMITTEE

Minutes of Proceedings

THURSDAY, 7 JUNE 2007
Room 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present:
Samuel Gardiner (Deputy Chairperson)
Dr Stephen Farry
John O’Dowd
Pat Ramsey

In Attendance:
Alan Patterson (Principal Clerk)
Stella McArdle (Assembly Clerk)
Vivien Ireland (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Linda Hare (Clerical Supervisor)

Apologies:
Robin Newton (Chairperson)

The meeting commenced at 4.00pm in closed session.

1. Apologies.

Apologies are detailed above.

2. Chairperson’s Business.

The Chairperson welcomed all members to the first meeting of the Committee.

Agreed – that all Committee meetings should be held in open session, unless confidential matters or a committee report are being discussed.

Members were advised that Committee proceedings in public session are broadcast around Parliament Buildings, recorded on tape, are available under the Assembly Publication Scheme and are used as backup to notes taken by staff. Recordings are also made in private session for use as an aide memoire.

Agreed that the Committee is content with above arrangement.

The meeting continued in open session at 4.03pm.

Members were introduced to the Committee Office staff and noted their contact details.

Mr O’Dowd entered the meeting at 4.05pm

3. Declaration of Interests

Members noted the procedures in relation to declaration of interests and the declarations, which Members had sent to the Clerk prior to the first meeting.

Members confirmed that the declarations provided to the Clerk were complete and should be recorded in the minutes of proceedings as follows:

Mr Robin Newton
Director, Newton Management Consultants Ltd.
Director, Textiles and Clothing Technology Ltd.
Appointed member, Belfast Harbour Commissioners
Member, East Belfast Partnership
Member, Belfast District Policing Partnership
Member, Belfast City Council

Dr Stephen Farry
General Secretary, Alliance Party
Member, North Down Borough Council
Director, Bangor and Holywood Town Centre Management Ltd.
Director, Lagan Print Ltd
Company Secretary, Lagan Properties Ltd.

Mr Samuel Gardiner
Director, Glenavon Football Club Ltd.
Director, Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation (CIDO)
Member, Craigavon Borough Council
Member, Craigavon District Policing Partnership
Member of South Ulster Housing Association
Trustee of Brownlee House, Lurgan
Member of the Orange Institution
Member of the Royal Black Institution
Member of the Masonic Order
Member of the Ulster Unionist Party

Mr John O’Dowd
Member, Craigavon Borough Council
Member, Browlow Ltd.
Member, Lurgan Forward

Mr Pat Ramsey
Member, Derry City Council
Member, Derry District Policing Partnership
Director, Millenium Forum Derry
Director, Foyle Haven, Drop in Centre Alcoholics

Chairperson asked for any further interests to be made.

Mr O’Dowd advised the Committee that he is Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.

4. Guide to the Powers and Operation of Standing Committees

The Chairperson referred members to the Powers and Operation of Statutory Committees guidance.

Members were asked to read and note the statement describing rules relating to privilege at paragraphs 40-43.

5. Guide to the Role of Committee Chairperson

Members noted the guidance.

6. Guide for Members to the Role and Functions of the Committee Office

Members noted the guidance.

7. Background to the Audit Committee

Members were referred to the memo on the background to the Audit Committee. The memo inserted in packs has since been revised and a new document was tabled for members.

The Clerk to the Committee briefed members on the role and remit of the Audit Committee and emphasised that today’s meeting was to consider the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) estimates for approval.

Mr O’Dowd sought clarification regarding the age of retirement.

Agreed – that the Clerk will follow up on this issue.

Mr Ramsey enquired about members receiving training on scrutinising audit work.

Agreed – that the Clerk will take forward.

8. Amendment to Standing Order 53

Members were referred to a letter from the Committee on Procedures asked the Audit Committee if they were content with the following proposed amendment to Standing Order 53.

There shall be a Standing Committee of the Assembly to be known as the Audit Committee to exercise the functions mentioned in section 66 (i) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Agreed – proposed amendment to Standing Order 53.

Agreed – that the Clerk to the committee will write to the Committee on Procedures advising that the Committee is content with the change.

9. First Day General Brief from the Northern Ireland Audit Office & NIAO Estimates for 2007-08

Before witnesses arrived, members were reminded that the key role of the Audit Committee involves the consideration and approval of NIAO estimates. Members were also advised that the Chairperson would speak to the Estimates on 11 June 2007.

Members were referred to the suggested questions available in packs.

Agreed – that if any of the questions have not been answered the Committee can request written replies.

Members noted the correspondence of approval of estimates from PAC and the Department of Finance and Personnel.

The Committee received a presentation from the following officials from NIAO:

• Mr John Dowdall, Comptroller and Auditor General
• Ciaran Moore, Deputy Comptroller Auditor General
• Catherine O’Hagan, Accountant with responsibility for the compilation of the Audit Office estimates and accounts from the NIAO.

Mr Dowdall briefed the members on the role and functions of the NIAO.

NIAO officials explained the NIAO estimates for 2007-08.

Following the presentation, the Committee questioned officials on issues relating to NIAO estimates.

Dr Stephen Farry entered the meeting at 16.54pm.

Chairperson put the following question to the Committee:

Are the Committee content to approve the estimates?

Agreed – Proposed by Mr Ramsey and seconded by Dr Farry.

The Committee thanked Mr Dowdall, Mr Moore and Mrs O’Hagan for their informative briefing session.

10. Draft Press Release.

Members agreed a press release for issue.

11. Any Other Business.

Agreed – None.

12. Date, Time and Place of Next Meeting.

Mr Dowdall issued an invitation to the Committee to hold their next meeting in the NIAO premises. This would enable the members to become familiar with the building and the work of NIAO. The Committee agreed to accept the invitation. The next meeting will be held in October 2007, but the Clerk will confirm the date closer to the time. It was suggested and agreed that transport to the NIAO would be arranged. Members agreed that meetings be arranged for an earlier time.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 17.01pm.

Samuel Gardiner, Deputy Chairperson,
Audit Committee.
11 June 2007.