Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting commenced at 1.08pm in open session.

Chairperson’s Introduction

The Chairperson welcomed Members to the meeting. 

1.       Apologies

There were no apologies received.

2.      Declaration of Interests

The Chairperson reminded Members of their obligation to declare any relevant financial or other interests before and during each Committee meeting.

3.      Draft minutes of the meeting held on 4^th October 2011

Agreed:  The draft minutes of the meeting held on 4^th October 2011 were agreed by the Committee.

4.      Matters arising

There were no matters arising.

5.      Consideration of the draft NIAO Corporate Plan 2012-2013 to 2014-2015

Members noted the Clerk’s paper; the draft NIAO Corporate Plan 2012-2013 to 2014-2015; advice from the Public Accounts Committee; and advice from the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP).  The Clerk updated the Committee on the background to the issues.

The Chairperson welcomed Mr Kieran Donnelly, Comptroller and Auditor General; Ms Janet Sides, Assistant Auditor General; Mr Andrew Allen, Audit Manager; and Mr Joe Campbell, Audit Manager.  The Chairperson invited Mr Donnelly to brief the Committee on the draft NIAO Corporate Plan.

1.22pm Ms Lo joined the meeting

Following a question and answer session the Chairperson thanked Mr Donnelly and his colleagues and invited them to remain at the table for the next item of business.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content to approve the draft Corporate Plan for 2012-2013 to 2014-2015.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should respond to DFP’s advice on the NIAO Corporate Plan, setting out the Committee’s concern about the premise underlying aspects of DFP’s advice.

6.      January Monitoring Round

Members noted the Clerk’s paper and the NIAO paper.

Ms Janet Sides, Assistant Auditor General briefed the Committee on the January Monitoring Round.

Following a question and answer session the Chairperson thanked Ms Sides and invited Mr Donnelly and his colleagues to remain at the table for the next item of business.

Agreed:  The Committee agreed the proposals in the NIAO Paper on the January Monitoring Round.

7.      Presentation by the NIAO on the anticipated NIAO expenditure on capital

Members noted the NIAO paper on the anticipated NIAO expenditure on capital.

Ms Janet Sides, Assistant Auditor General briefed the Committee on the anticipated NIAO expenditure on capital.

Following discussion the Chairperson thanked Mr Donnelly and his colleagues for attending the meeting.

8.     Any other business

Agreed:  Members agreed to issue e-Christmas cards to those named in the distribution list in Members’ Committee meeting packs.

9.    Time, date and place of next meeting

The next meeting of the Audit Committee will take place on Tuesday, 21^st February 2011 at 1.00pm in room 29, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 1.48pm.

Danny Kinahan
Chairperson Audit Committee
Dated:  21^st February 2012