Garda audit raises concerns over handling of evidence

Concerns over the handling of Garda evidence, including drugs and cash, have been raised by the Garda Síochána’s internal audit committee.

In its 2015 annual report the committee, which supervises the audit section of the Garda, has highlighted a number of issues around the control and management of evidence at Garda stations, and about staffing at the Garda’s internal audit service.

The committee, chaired by Michael Howard former secretary general of the Department of Defence, said its recommendations were "by and large implemented" in 2015. It noted in particular "an improving situation in relation to the management of warrants, reflecting the priority that has been given to this area by Garda management".

However it said there remained “property management issues” which needed to be resolved.

It said there were 23 outstanding “high priority audit recommendations”, out of a total of 44, relating to the “control, management and recording of drugs exhibits, property and evidence” including cash held at Garda stations at the end of 2015. This was the highest single category of unresolved audit recommendations at year-end, it said.

"While this remains a concern for the committee, it is noted that An Garda Síochána are addressing this matter as a priority under the Strategic Transformation Agenda and a phased approach to rectifying the control weaknesses has commenced," the report said.

The committee was “pleased to note that there is improved control being observed in relation to recording and management of sickness and other staff absences”. However it raised concerns about staffing levels in the internal audit section.

There were four vacancies out of a staffing complement of ten, including that of a “professional accountant” it said. “The vacant positions have not been filled due to restrictions in staff numbers within An Garda Síochána.”

However it noted that sanction has been given for the filling of the accountant position from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. "It is noted that the section can no longer staff two audit teams as was the practice in previous years, thus limiting the capacity to audit across the Garda organisation within a reasonable timeframe," it said.

“While it must be accepted that constraints continue to apply, the committee will keep this matter under review with Garda management to ensure that the Internal Audit Section continues to be resourced appropriately.”

In its conclusions the committee said it was satisfied that, in general, there were adequate systems of control across the Garda organisation. “However, close attention is needed in the area of the management of property and evidence in the possession of An Garda Síochána.”

In 2016, it said, it would further review compliance with procurement procedures, the recoupment of overpayments of salary and pensions, and the tracking and execution of Court Warrants.