Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
Report of the Audit Committee to the
Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
7th July 2011
20th July 2011
Audit Committee Meeting:
Governing Body Meeting:
1
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
Contents
1.
Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 3
2.
Audit Committee ..................................................................................................................... 3
3.
Ongoing work of the Audit Committee ................................................................................... 5
4.
Internal Audit ........................................................................................................................... 9
5.
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 12
Appendix 1: Formal Written Assurances to support the Statement on Internal Control YE 31st
August 2010 .................................................................................................................................. 14
1.1
DIT President and Senior Leadership Team Formal Written Assurance ....................... 17
1.2
Chair of Governing Body Finance Sub-Committee Formal Written Assurance ........... 18
1.3 Chair of Governing Body Human Resources Sub-Committee Formal Written
Assurance .................................................................................................................................. 19
1.4 Chair of Governing Body Strategy & Property Sub-Committee Formal Written
Assurance .................................................................................................................................. 20
1.5
Chair of Governing Body Audit Sub-Committee Formal Written Assurance ............... 21
2
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
1. Introduction
The Code of Governance of Irish Institutes of Technology issued in January 2009 requires that
the Audit Committee submit an Annual Report to the Governing Body. This report summarises
for Governing Body the work undertaken by the Audit Committee during and subsequent to the
period for the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31st August 2010.
2. Audit Committee
Terms of Reference
The Governing Body, at its meeting on 26th April 1996, established the Audit Committee and
approved its Terms of Reference.
The Terms of Reference for the Audit Committee were last reviewed and updated in July 2010.
That review took into consideration the Code of Governance of Irish Institutes of Technology
which had been issued in January 2010.
The Terms of Reference set out the duties of the Committee as follows:
To be responsible, on behalf of the Governing Body, for:
1.
Internal Controls and Risk Management
1.1 Reviewing governance processes.
1.2 Reviewing systems of internal control for finance and other resources.
1.3 Reviewing systems of risk identification and management.
2.
Financial Statements
2.1 Reviewing the reliability and integrity of financial and operational information and
the reporting thereof.
3.
Others
3.1 Considering other topics as requested by Governing Body.
3.2 Reviewing established systems to ensure compliance with external legislation /
regulations and the Institute’s objectives, policies, plans and procedures.
3.3 Reviewing and approving purchasing procedures and procedures for the disposal of
assets.
3.4 Reviewing the means of safeguarding assets and, as appropriate, verifying the
existence of such assets.
3
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
3.5 Reviewing whether adequate attention is paid to value for money auditing.
4.
Internal Audit Unit
4.1 The activities of the Internal Audit Unit and to approve the annual Internal Audit
plan.
4.2 Through the Internal Audit Unit, appraising the economy, efficiency and
effectiveness with which resources are employed.
4.3 Considering the findings of internal audits and investigations and management’s
response.
4.4 Considering and advising the Governing Body on the appointment and terms of
engagement of the Internal Audit Unit, the provision of any non-audit services by the
Internal Auditors and any questions of resignation or dismissal of the Internal
Auditors.
4.5 Evaluating whether the resources made available for Internal Audit are sufficient to
meet the Institute’s needs and/or making a recommendation to the Governing Body as
appropriate.
5.
External Audit
5.1 Considering any report received from the Comptroller & Auditor General and to
liaise with that office as necessary.
Membership
The Members of the Audit Committee of the 6th Governing Body from July 2010 are:





Ms. Imelda Reynolds (Governing Body Member and Chairperson)
Mr. William Bassett (Governing Body Member)
Ms. Jackie Kelly (Governing Body Member)
Mr. Tom O’Higgins (External Member)
Mr. Denis Ryan (External Member).
The Members of the Audit Committee of the 5th Governing Body prior to July 2010 were:





Mr. Denis Ryan (Governing Body Member and Chairperson)
Councillor Paddy Bourke (Governing Body Member)
Ms. Jackie Kelly (Governing Body Member)
Ms. Anne Butler (Governing Body Member)
Mr. Tom O’Higgins (External Member).
Meetings have generally been attended also by:

President of the Institute, Professor Brian Norton;
4
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010




Director of Finance & Administration, Mr. Paul Flynn;
Finance Officer, Mr. Colm Whelan;
Head of Internal Audit, Mr. Brendan Ruddy
Internal Audit Manager, Mr. Rommel Abaja.
Meetings
The Audit Committee’s Terms of Reference require it to meet not less than four times a year.
3. Ongoing work of the Audit Committee
The following Audit Committee meetings were held during the financial year ended 31st August
2010:




26th November 2009
16th December 2009
18th February 2010
7th July 2010.
The following Audit Committee meetings were held since the 31st August 2010:





11th October 2010
12th January 2011
24th February 2011
17th May 2011
7th July 2011.
The Audit Committee covered the following matters at their meetings:
INTERNAL AUDIT REPORTS
The following reports, conducted by Internal Audit, have been reviewed by the Audit
Committee. In a number of instances, Audit Committee has recommended a strengthening of
internal controls as a consequence of the reports:







DIT Review of Internal Financial Controls YE 31/08/10
Assessment of DIT Governance over An Cheim
An Cheim Follow Up Review of Internal Financial Controls YE 31/08/09 and Review of
Internal Financial Control YE 31/08/10
Expense Claims – Hospitality Follow Up Assessment
DIT Review of Internal Financial Controls YE 31/08/09
Project Orange: Financial Transactions
Payroll Review
5
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010

An Cheim Review of Internal Financial Controls YE 31/08/09.
In line with good practice the Audit Committee also met privately with the Head of Internal
Audit at the end of their meeting on 24th February 2011.
OTHER MATTERS
In addition, Audit Committee considered the following:
Fraud Policy and Fraud Response Plan
The Institute’s Fraud Policy and Fraud Response Plan is being developed and the final approved draft
is expected to be tabled at the Audit Committee meeting in October 2011 for consideration and
will thereafter be presented to Governing Body for approval.
Risk Management
The Audit Committee considered the issue of risk, and the Institute’s Risk Management processes
and procedures on a number of occasions. The Audit Committee have noted their role and
responsibility in terms of oversight of the process and controls in place to mitigate the various
risks, but that Management remain responsible for Risk Management It also noted that a High
Levels Risk Register has been created and developed as part of an on-going Institute-wide
planning process, and that the President is the Chief Risk Officer for the Institute, having
delegated the role of the Institute’s Risk Co-ordinator to the Head of Strategic Planning,
Development & Corporate Relations from the Strategic Development Services Team within his
office.
At the Audit Committee meeting on 17th May 2011 the President of the Institute distributed and
tabled a High Level Risk Register detailing how the 2007 Corporate Risk & Strategic
Opportunities Action Plan was aligned to the current 2010 - 2012 Strategic Plan Risk Register
and the Committee or Executive with responsibility. It was noted that Risk Management is
regularly tabled at the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) meetings which take place fortnightly.
The Audit Committee intends to review the issue of risk and risk management at the first
Governing Body Audit Committee meeting for the Academic Year 2011/2012 to clearly see the
ratings, the likelihood, the impact, responsibilities and management actions for risks. Updates on
risk and risk management will thereafter be included periodically on the agenda of the Audit
Committee.
Corporate Structure for all of the Institute’s Subsidiaries
At the Audit Committee meetings on 11th October 2010 and 12th January 2011 the corporate
structure for all of the Institutes subsidiaries was discussed following circulation by the Director
of Finance & Resources of a document tilted ‘Review of Corporate Structure for the Institute’s
Subsidiaries’. The Audit Committee noted this gave a general understanding and good oversight
of the Institute’s Subsidiaries.
6
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
Gap Analysis on the Code of Governance of Irish Institutes of Technology
At the Audit Committee meetings on 7th July 2010, 11th October 2010 and 12th January 2011 the
Gap Analysis on the Code of Governance of Irish Institutes of Technology was discussed
following circulation of the gap analysis by the Director of Finance & Resources. Audit
Committee noted the ongoing work required to be undertaken to achieve compliance with the
Code and in particular the areas of risk management; procurement; internal audit resources; and
DIT subsidiaries.
Cascade Agreement between the Department of Education & Science and the Dublin
Institute of Technology
At the Audit Committee meeting on 18th February 2010 it was noted that the Institute has agreed
to carry out, or arrange to have carried out, audits on those portions of the operations co-funded
by the European Social Fund (ESF) for which it is responsible and that the agreement was signed
by the President and Head of Internal Audit on 4th February, 2010. The Audit Committee noted
any ongoing work required to be undertaken by the Institute in relation to this would be reported
to it by Internal Audit as the work concluded.
Business Continuity Presentation
The Audit Committee received a presentation on 16th December 2009 by Information Services
concerning Business Continuity.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2009
The Audit Committee met with the Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG) on 12th January
2011 and discussed the following:
1. Consolidated Financial Statements YE 31/08/09 and Statement of Internal Control YE
31/08/09
2. Management Letter & Response YE 31/08/09
3. Report from the C&AG on the Audit to the Audit Committee
4. Letter of Representation for YE 31/08/09
5. Plan for Audit of Financial Statements YE 31/08/10.
In line with good practice the Audit Committee met privately with the External Auditors at the
end of the meeting on that date.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2010
The Audit Committee also met with the Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG) on 7th July
2011 and discussed the following:
1. Consolidated Financial Statements YE 31/08/10 and Statement of Internal Control YE
31/08/10
7
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
2.
3.
4.
5.
Management Letter & Management Response YE 31/08/10
Report from the C&AG on the Audit to the Audit Committee
Letter of Representation for YE 31/08/10
Plan for Audit of Financial Statements YE 31/08/11.
In line with good practice the Audit Committee also met privately with the External Auditors
at the end of the meeting on that date.
Also in line with good practice the Chairperson of the Governing Body Finance Committee
also attended this Audit Committee meeting as an observer.
CURRENT WORK PROGRAMME
The current work programme for Internal Audit has been reviewed and agreed by the Audit
Committee and includes areas such as:









Review of delayed payments to staff and review of conceded claims for pro rata status
Review of controls in relation to procurement in the Estates area
Review of draft Fraud Policy and Response Plan
Development of the Internal Audit Strategy, Plan and Resources for YE 31/08/12
Annual Review the Audit Committee Terms of Reference, Internal Audit Charter and
Internal Audit Manual
Review of DIT Internal Financial Control YE 31/08/11
Review of An Cheim Internal Financial Control YE 31/08/11
Review of controls in relation to Financial Monitoring
Update of Status by Management of previous Internal Audit Recommendations.
It is anticipated that the reports prepared as this work programme is completed will be presented
to the Audit Committee for consideration.
Audit Committee Training
The Audit Committee together with the President, Finance Officer and Internal Audit attended a
training session facilitated by PricewaterhouseCoopers on 10th November 2010. The Audit
Committee are also planning to undertake additional training in the coming months.
Secretarial Support
The Institute Secretary’s Office provides secretarial services to the Audit Committee.
8
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
4. Internal Audit
Internal Audit Charter
The Internal Audit Charter was last updated taking into consideration the Code of Governance of
Irish Institutes of Technology from January 2010 by the Audit Committee and by the Governing
Body in July 2010.
The Charter states that the mission of DIT Internal Audit is “to help the Institute to accomplish
its objectives by conducting a systematic and disciplined review of the effectiveness of risk
management, control, governance processes and performance.”
Staffing and Resources
The DIT Internal Audit Charter provides that the Internal Audit Unit will be given the
multidisciplinary resources it requires to adequately discharge its responsibilities. All senior
audit staff will have a Primary Degree or Professional Qualification. The Internal Audit Unit is a
vehicle for the development of managerial potential. The Institute will provide support in the
rotation of suitable staff into and out of the area.
The Internal Audit Unit is comprised of the following in house resources:
 Head of Internal Audit
 Internal Audit Manager
The Internal Audit unit has two vacancies which cannot be filled due to the Higher Education
Authority’s (HEA) Employment Control Framework, which has been in place since March 2009.
There is also a non pay – budget in place which is managed by the Head of Internal Audit to
procure additional external support to carry out Internal Audit work.
Internal Audit Services Framework Agreement
In April 2011, DIT appointed providers to the Framework Agreement for the supply of Internal
Audit Services.
An Evaluation Team was established and authorised by the Audit Committee to conduct the
process and evaluations on their behalf:





Imelda Reynolds, Chair of the Audit Committee,
Denis Ryan, Audit Committee member,
Brendan Ruddy, DIT Head of Internal Audit,
Michelle O’Brien, DIT Procurement,
Martin Tully, Director of the Clearview Group.
9
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
The Procurement Specialist confirmed to the Evaluation Team that it was his professional
opinion that the procurement process was carried out fully in compliance with both the EU
Procurement Directives and the terms of reference of the procurement project as authorised by
the Audit Committee.
The Framework Agreement is intended to provide a simple, repetitive process that allows for
efficient call-offs from the Framework Agreement, while ensuring supplier performance
management and accountability to the deliverables and the Service Level Agreement. The three
parties that have been appointed to the Framework (which will run for a period of three years,
with the possibility of being extended to a fourth year) are:



Deloitte & Touche
Ernst & Young
Mazars.
The first two contracts under the Framework Agreement have also been awarded to Mazars.
These are currently underway and being managed on a day to day basis by the Head of Internal
Audit. Each specific contract will be subject to a Service Level Agreement (SLA) and
performance review on completion of that contract. In addition the operation of the Framework
Agreement will be reviewed annually by the DIT Head of Internal Audit and reported to the DIT
Audit Committee. There will be opportunities for members of the Audit Committee to be part of
the Evaluation Teams for future mini-tenders for additional pieces of work as these arise over the
life of the framework.
Internal Audit Strategy & Plan
The Head of Internal Audit tabled a discussion document at the Audit Committee meeting on
24th February 2011 titled ‘Current Internal Audit Work Plan to 31/08/11 and Draft Internal Audit
Strategy and Plan for 2011/12 to 2013/14’. He advised that the ongoing shortfall in resources
available to Internal Audit has continued to adversely affect the delivery of previously agreed
work plans.
The Audit Committee has expressed serious concerns regarding the current staffing levels within
Internal Audit and the impact on the delivery of the Internal Audit Work Plan and the ability to
realistically develop an Internal Audit Strategy and Plan. The Audit Committee has requested, on
an ongoing basis, that all possibilities be explored including internal redeployment of staff to
Internal Audit.
The President has confirmed to the Audit Committee that in relation to Internal Audit resources,
the Institute’s Budget allocation is much lower meaning projections are more challenging and a
root and branch analysis is being completed to analyse affordability but no progress has been
made to date for additional resources for Internal Audit.
10
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
The Head of Internal Audit regularly tables updates on the Internal Work Plan at the Audit
Committee meetings and advises of current priorities and highlights the instances where the
possibility for additional reviews are being considered based on requests from Management.
The Audit Committee have also emphasised the need for Management to consider in the first
instance if alternative internal lines of enquiry or processes would be more appropriate initially
for potential reviews as an alternative to directing requests to Internal Audit given the need for
the plan and work programme to be realistic and not overly ambitious. The President has also
expressed his support for this approach as a more efficient use of limited resources.
Internal Audit Reviews
The DIT Internal Audit Charter provides that all of the Institute’s activities, funded from
whatever source, fall within the remit of the Internal Audit service. Internal Audit has
unrestricted access to all information, explanations, records, assets, and personnel necessary for
audit purposes and is facilitated by management and staff in this regard.
Peer Reviews
To help deliver the highest possible quality of education provision within the Institute, the
Academic Council of the DIT has procedures for the quality review of Units. The Internal Audit
Unit has been provisionally scheduled to undertake a quality review in the academic year
2012/13. Internal Audit welcomes this review.
Continuing Professional Development
Maintaining and extending competency, developing personal effectiveness and updating
knowledge are widely recognised as being hallmarks of professionalism. The DIT Internal
Auditors, as members of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors and as signatories to the
Code of Ethics and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing,
are expected to “continually improve” and to “enhance their knowledge, skills and other
competencies through continuing professional development”.
DIT Internal Audit memberships are the following:




Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (UK & Ireland)
Higher Education Internal Audit Group in Ireland (HEIAG)
Council of Higher Education Internal Auditors (UK)
Association of College & University Auditors (US).
DIT Internal Audit hosted a recent meeting of the Higher Education Internal Audit Group in
Ireland on 23rd June 2011 which was attended by representatives from:



National University College Galway
Trinity College Dublin
University College Dublin
11
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010



University College Cork
Dublin City University
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology.
The Head of Internal Audit chaired the Higher Education Internal Audit Group in Ireland in
2009.
The Head of Internal Audit was elected Chair of the Irish Region of the Institute of Internal
Auditors UK and Ireland at their recent conference on 24th May 2011 having served as Vice
Chair for the previous two years.
5. Conclusion
The Governing Body will be asked on 20th July 2011 to approve a Statement on Internal Control
when the Institute’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31st August 2010 are
submitted to them for approval.
The Governing Body monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the system of internal
financial control is informed by:




The President and the Senior Leadership Team within the Dublin Institute of Technology
who have responsibility for the development and maintenance of the financial control
framework,
The work of the Internal Audit Unit,
The Audit Committee which oversees the work of Internal Audit and
The comments made by the Comptroller and Audit General as External Auditor in his
management letters or other reports.
The Audit Committee notes that in this regard Assurances have been or will be received from:









The President and the Senior Leadership Team (See Appendix 1.1)
The Chair, Governing Body Finance Sub-Committee (See Appendix 1.2)
The Chair, Governing Body Human Resources Sub-Committee (See Appendix 1.3)
The Chair, Governing Body Strategy & Property Sub-Committee (See Appendix 1.4)
The Chair, Governing Body Audit Sub-Committee (See Appendix 1.5)
The Head of Internal Audit for DIT and An Cheim
The Annual Governance Statement by Governing Body to HEA
PricewaterhouseCoopers as External Auditors for An Cheim Computer Services Limited
The Comptroller and Auditor General as External Auditors for DIT and the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
The Assurances received above confirm that all significant items of relevance to the making of
the Institute’s Statement on Internal Control have been brought to the attention of the Governing
Body throughout the year ended 31st August 2010 and subsequent to the year end.
12
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
The Audit Committee also confirms to the Governing Body that it has not identified any material
weakness or deficiency in DIT internal controls in the course of its deliberations and that all
significant items of relevance to the making of the Institute’s Statement on Internal Control have
been brought to the attention of Governing Body throughout the year when the Minutes of the
Governing Body Audit Committee were presented.
Based on consideration of its ongoing work and the information supplied to it the Audit
Committee are satisfied that reasonable assurance can be provided to the Governing Body in
relation to the operation of risk management, control and governance in DIT and can recommend
approval by the Governing Body of the Institute’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year
ended 31st August 2010.
Finally, the Chairperson and the Members of the Audit Committee wish to acknowledge and
thank Internal Audit at DIT, the Institute’s Secretary’s Office, as well as by DIT Management for
their hard work, and sincere support of the work of Audit Committee throughout the period
covered by this Report.
_________________________
Signed: Imelda Reynolds
Chairperson of Audit Committee
12th July 2011
13
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
Appendix 1: Formal Written Assurances to support the Statement
on Internal Control Year Ended 31st August 2010
Action Plan to develop the Assurance Process for Governing Body to sign off on the Statement
of Internal Control (SIC)
Following discussion at the Audit Committee on the 7th July 2010 and 17th May 2011 an
approach was developed and agreed to the completion of the Action Plan to develop the
Assurance Process for Governing Body to sign off on the Statement of Internal Control (SIC) for
the Consolidated Financial Statements of DIT and its Subsidiaries (including An Cheim).
:Ref
1
2.
3.
Action
Assurance
Required
by
Head of
Internal
Audit /
Director of
Finance &
Resources
President /
Senior
Leadership
Team
30th June
2011
Finance
Sub
Committee
Minute
Chair
Finance
Committee
30th June
2011
Human
Resources
Sub
Committee
Chair
Human
Resources
Committee
The Governing Body Audit Sub Committee to
review and conclude on the Review of Internal
Financial Controls for the Year Ended 31st
August 2010.
Internal
Audit
Report
The Senior Leadership Team provide a written
statement to the Governing Body on any
significant issues affecting compilation of the
SIC to cover all internal controls and not just
financial controls. The process to support this
to include:
 Reference to Risk Management and
output in from that process
 Senior academic and administrative
management to confirm any significant
issues in writing in their own areas.
Senior
Leadership
Team
Minute
The Chairs of the Governing Body Sub
Committees (Finance, Human Resources and
Property and Strategy) to provide a formal
written assurance to the Governing Body,
covering the activity of their committee and any
significant items of relevance to the completion
of the SIC.
14
Action
Owner
30th June
2011
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
minute
4.
5.
Property
and
Strategy
Sub
Committee
Minute
Chair
Property
and
Strategy
Committee
The Head of Internal Audit to provide an
opinion to the Governing Body Audit
Committee on internal controls and confirm
that a formal Review of Internal Financial
Controls was completed for the YE 31/08/10 in
DIT and An Cheim.
Head of
Internal
Audit
Report
Head of
Internal
Audit
30th June
2011
The Governing Body Finance Sub Committee
to review the Consolidated Financial
Statements of DIT and its Subsidiaries
(including An Cheim) for YE 31/08/10.
Finance
Sub
Committee
minute
Chair
Finance
Sub
Committee
30th June
2011
The Comptroller and Auditor General to attend
and provide an opinion to the Governing Body
Audit Sub Committee on internal controls.
Private
meeting
with Audit
Committee
Director of
Finance &
Resources
30th June
2011
Draft
Annual
Report
Chair Audit Meeting
Committee on 7th July
2011
Consolidated Financial Statements of DIT and
its Subsidiaries (including An Cheim) for YE
31/08/10 including Statement on Internal
Control (SIC)
6.
Report from the Comptroller & Auditor General
on the Audit to the Audit Committee
Management Letter and Management
Responses for YE 31/08/10
Letter of Representation for YE 31/08/10
7.
The Governing Body Audit Sub Committee to
provide to the Governing Body a report of its
work and an opinion on internal control
detailing:
 External Audit work from Comptroller
and Auditor General (C&AG) of
relevance in compiling SIC.
 Internal Audit work from Head of
15
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
Internal Audit of relevance in compiling
the SIC.
8.
9.
The Governing Body to review the Assurance
Process and approve the final SIC of DIT and
its Subsidiaries (including An Cheim) based on
the reviews and assurances received as
above.
Minute
Chair
Governing
Body
Meeting
on 20th
July 2011
The Governing Body to review and approve
the Consolidated Financial Statements for the
YE 31/08/10.
Minute
Chair
Governing
Body
Meeting
on 20h
July 2011
At the Audit Committee meeting on the 17th May 2011 the Head of Internal Audit advised that in
discussion with the C&AG. as part of the external audit for the Financial Statements for the YE
31/08/10, the timeliness of the completion of the annual Review of Internal Financial Controls was
discussed and the Audit Committee agreed that this should be completed and reported on by the
November/December following completion of the relevant financial year end.
16
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
1.1 DIT President and Senior Leadership Team Formal Written Assurance
TO
MEMBERS OF GOVERNING BODY
FROM
PROFESSOR BRIAN NORTON – PRESIDENT DIT
DATE
2ND JUNE 2011
RE
FORMAL WRITTEN ASSURANCE – STATEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL
The Senior Leadership Team and I acknowledge our responsibility for ensuring that an effective
system of internal financial control is maintained and operated. The system of internal financial
control consists of the processes used to identify, evaluate and manage the significant risks faced
by the Institute in the management of its affairs.
I hereby confirm as President of Dublin Institute of Technology and on behalf of the Senior
Leadership Team that there are no significant issues affecting compilation of the Institute’s
Statement on Internal Control which includes financial and all other internal controls.
Signed,
_________________________
PROFESSOR BRIAN NORTON
PRESIDENT
17
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
1.2 Chair of Governing Body Finance Sub-Committee Formal Written Assurance
TO
MEMBERS OF GOVERNING BODY
FROM
MS ANNE BUTLER – CHAIR, GOVERNING BODY FINANCE SUB-COMMITTEE
DATE
22 JUNE 2011
RE
FORMAL WRITTEN ASSURANCE – STATEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL
The Governing Body will be asked to approve a Statement on Internal Control when the
Institute’s Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2010 are submitted for approval.
For this purpose, I hereby confirm, as Chair of the Dublin Institute of Technology Governing
Body Finance Sub-Committee, that the Sub-Committee has not identified any material weakness
or deficiency in DIT internal controls in the course of its deliberations other than those set out
below. All significant items of relevance to the making of the Institute’s Statement on Internal
Control have been brought to the attention of Governing Body throughout the year when the
Minutes of the Governing Body Finance Sub-Committee were presented.
The Governing Body Finance Sub-Committee can give assurance subject to the following issues:
Appropriate adjustment for the agreed receivable balance between the Higher Education
Authority and Dublin Institute of Technology and any adjustment required in respect of Hourly
Paid Assistant Lecturer entitlements.
Signed,
_________________________
MS ANNE BUTLER
CHAIR - GOVERNING BODY FINANCE SUB-COMMITTEE
18
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
1.3 Chair of Governing Body Human Resources Sub-Committee Formal Written
Assurance
TO
MEMBERS OF GOVERNING BODY
FROM
COUNCILLOR PADDY BOURKE – CHAIR, GOVERNING BODY HUMAN RESOURCES
SUB-COMMITTEE
DATE
23 JUNE 2011
RE
FORMAL WRITTEN ASSURANCE – STATEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL
The Governing Body will be asked to approve a Statement on Internal Control when the
Institute’s Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2010 are submitted for approval.
For this purpose, I hereby confirm, as Chair of the Dublin Institute of Technology Governing
Body Human Resources Sub-Committee, that the Sub-Committee has not identified any material
weakness or deficiency in DIT internal controls in the course of its deliberations. All significant
items of relevance to the making of the Institute’s Statement on Internal Control have been
brought to the attention of Governing Body throughout the year when the Minutes of the
Governing Body Human Resources Sub-Committee were presented.
Signed,
_________________________
COUNCILLOR PADDY BOURKE
CHAIR - GOVERNING BODY HUMAN RESOURCES SUB-COMMITTEE
19
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
1.4 Chair of Governing Body Strategy & Property Sub-Committee Formal Written Assurance
TO
MEMBERS OF GOVERNING BODY
FROM
COMMITTEE
MR SEAN DORGAN – CHAIR, GOVERNING BODY STRATEGY & PROPERTY SUB-
DATE
16 JUNE 2011
RE
FORMAL WRITTEN ASSURANCE – STATEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL
The Governing Body will be asked to approve a Statement on Internal Control when the
Institute’s Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2010 are submitted for approval.
For this purpose, I hereby confirm, as Chair of the Dublin Institute of Technology Governing
Body Strategy & Property Sub-Committee, that the Sub-Committee has not identified any
material weakness or deficiency in DIT internal controls in the course of its deliberations. All
significant items of relevance to the making of the Institute’s Statement on Internal Control have
been brought to the attention of Governing Body throughout the year when the Minutes of the
Governing Body Strategy & Property Sub-Committee were presented.
Signed,
_________________________
MR SEAN DORGAN
CHAIR - GOVERNING BODY STRATEGY & PROPERTY SUB-COMMITTEE
20
Report of the Audit Committee to the Governing Body
For the Year Ended 31st August 2010
1.5 Chair of Governing Body Audit Sub-Committee Formal Written Assurance
TO
MEMBERS OF GOVERNING BODY
FROM
MS IMELDA REYNOLDS – CHAIR, GOVERNING BODY AUDIT SUB-COMMITTEE
DATE
7 JULY 2011
RE
FORMAL WRITTEN ASSURANCE – STATEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL
The Governing Body will be asked to approve a Statement on Internal Control when the
Institute’s Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2010 are submitted for approval.
For this purpose, I hereby confirm, as Chair of the Dublin Institute of Technology Governing
Body Audit Sub-Committee, that the Sub-Committee has not identified any material weakness or
deficiency in DIT internal controls in the course of its deliberations. All significant items of
relevance to the making of the Institute’s Statement on Internal Control have been brought to the
attention of Governing Body throughout the year when the Minutes of the Governing Body
Audit Sub-Committee were presented.
Signed,
_________________________
MS IMELDA REYNOLDS
CHAIR - GOVERNING BODY AUDIT SUB-COMMITTEE
21