The Minister said: “While we will be making a formal response to the PAC, I wanted to take an early opportunity to welcome the report.
“This PAC report shows the importance of ensuring adequate controls are not only in place to ensure that public funds are properly used, but that those controls are regularly implemented.
“In these days of scarce resources it is even more essential that our community knows that government is using their money effectively, through transparent procurement processes and rigorous audit checks. There is no room for complacency and much tighter procedures have been put in place since the Audit Office report, which included an investigation into allegations of fraud made in 2003.
“As we move to the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) in January 2010, the PAC report will be carefully considered so any lessons to be learned are built into the ESA processes to ensure we achieve full value for money. With the establishment of ESA we will have one process in place rather than the current system where different bodies may have different practices. I am determined that robust systems will be in place to combat the risk of fraud.”
Notes to Editors:
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