PAC to focus on Department of Justice ICT projects

The agenda for the meeting is as follows:

• Business of the Committee;
• Approval of Public Accounts Committee Annual Report 2017;
• Comptroller and Auditor General Report on the Accounts of the Public
Services, Chapter 13: Development of ICT Systems by the Department of
Justice and Equality
Officials from Dept. of Justice and Equality;
• Appropriation Accounts 2016, Vote 24: Justice and Equality
Officials from Dept. of Justice and Equality.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, PAC Chair, Seán Fleming TD, said today, “The Vote of the Department of Justice is wide-ranging and encompasses both the administrative divisions of the Department and a broad range of offices and agencies across the Justice sector. In relation to the chapter on the development of ICT systems by the Department, we will be keen to examine a number of shortcomings in project governance identified by the C&AG in relation to planning and oversight on this project. Costs to March 2017 for three ICT projects undertaken by the Department on behalf of the Insolvency Service of Ireland, the Charities Regulatory Authority and the Private Security Authority amounted to €4.6 million. Members will want to assess what measures are now in place to address the shortcomings noted by the C&AG.”

“In relation to Vote 24, total gross expenditure for the Department in this vote in 2016 amounted to €389.8m. The Committee will be looking for an update on issues raised by the C&AG relating to material instances of non-compliance with national procurement rules.”

“The Committee will also engage with the Department on Legal proceedings in relation to the leasing of an office premises in Wolfe Tone Street, Dublin 1, planned for use by a community-based project funded by the Probation Service. Also up for discussion will be the legal costs incurred across a range of areas within the Department as well as on Commissions and Special Inquiries.”

Committee proceedings can be viewed live here