Laois County Council found not to have fraud or corruption alert plan

Laois County Council was one of seven local authorities across the country found not to have a fraud or corruption alert plan.

That’s according to The National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) which has just published its Internal Audit in Local Authorities Report 2023.

The aim of Fraud and Corruption alert plans is to ensure the promotion of a culture of honesty and integrity which deters fraudulent activity within local authorities. 

NOAC found that Laois County Council did not have an alert plan along with local authorities in Fingal, Donegal, Offaly, Roscommon, Longford and Cork County. NOAC recommended that these Councils put alert plans in place as soon as possible.

“One of the basic principles of public sector organisations is the proper use of public funds. Where resources are wrongfully diverted and not used for the intended purpose, the local authority’s ability to achieve its objectives is impacted. All local authorities are committed to maintaining high standards in the delivery of its objectives and the management of the funds entrusted to it,” said the report. 

“Fraud and Corruption alert plans ensure the promotion of a culture of honesty and integrity which deters fraudulent activity. The purpose is also to facilitate the prevention and detection of fraud and the development of procedures which will aid in the investigation of fraud and related offences.”

The report also raised concerns that Laois County Council had not conducted an assessment of the adequacy of their internal audit resources including staff skills in the previous two years and that it failed to provide a date of their last assessment. 

It was recommended that Laois County Council conduct assessments of the adequacy of internal audit resources including staff skills on a regular basis, to ensure that they are functioning to the required level and to a high standard.

As part of the ongoing NOAC scrutiny process and to promote best practice in this area NOAC will be reviewing the adoption and adherence to the recommendations in the report.