Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting commenced at 1.30pm in open session.

Chairperson’s Introduction

The Chairperson welcomed Members to the meeting.

1. Apologies

There were no apologies.

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 9 th December 2010

Agreed: The draft minutes of the meeting held on 9 th December 2010 were agreed by the Committee.

4. Matters arising

There were no matters arising.

5. Draft NIAO Corporate Plan 2011-12 to 2013-14

Members noted the draft NIAO Corporate Plan 2011-12 to 2013-14.

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

Following discussion and questions from committee members, the Comptroller and Auditor General confirmed that the proposed savings in the draft plan represented the maximum reductions that could be made by the NIAO whilst still maintaining the same quality and extent of service to the Assembly that has been offered in recent years. The Comptroller and Auditor General agreed that he would confirm this in writing to the Committee.

The Chairperson thanked Mr Donnelly and his colleagues for attending.

Members noted and considered the advice provided by the Public Accounts Committee and the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Agreed: The Committee agreed it was content with the draft Corporate Plan.

2.04pm Dr Farry left the meeting.

6. Salary of the Comptroller and Auditor General

Agreed: Following discussion the Committee agreed that the salary of the Comptroller and Auditor General for 2011/12 remain frozen at its current level; and that further to the outcome of the ongoing review of the judicial salary structure, the Audit Committee in the next mandate should carry out its own review of the options open to it for determining the Comptroller and Auditor General’s salary in the future.

7. Correspondence received on 27th January 2011

Agreed: Members noted correspondence received on 27 th January 2011 and agreed to forward it to the NIAO requesting that they look into the issues raised.

2.08pm Mr Gallagher left the meeting.

8. Any other business

Agreed: Following discussion it was agreed that, after the NIAO Estimates for 2011-12 have been agreed, the Chairperson and Mr Maskey, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, should meet with NIAO staff.

Agreed: Following discussion it was also agreed that the Committee should be updated by the NIAO on operational business plans and associated performance measures.

9. Time, date and place of next meeting

The next meeting of the Audit Committee will be held on Tuesday, 22 nd February 2011 at 1.30pm in room 29.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 2.12pm.

Mr Jonathan Craig MLA
Chairperson, Audit Committee

Tuesday, 1st March 2011