November 15th 2007
National Educational Board sues former staff member
The National Educational Welfare Board (the Board) today (15th November 2007) confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against a former staff member.

The proceedings arise from the purchasing arrangements that were found to exist between a staff member and a supplier causing the Board a financial loss.

These arrangements, which are outlined in the special report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), the State Auditor, were discovered by the Board during an investigation into a breach of its electronic mail policy in the summer of 2005. The staff member was immediately suspended and all aspects of the matter were fully and independently investigated at the time. The individual involved did not co-operate with those enquiries and resigned some months later.

The investigations found that the Board did not get the best prices or receive value for money in its purchases of computer equipment and related supplies.

The activities of the staff member were clearly in breach of the Board's required procedures and practices. The Board deeply regrets their occurrence and is seeking full recovery of the monies lost from the former staff member and the supplier. The matter was also reported to An Garda Síochana. The recommendations from the investigations on controls and procedures have been implemented.

The Board concurs with the C&AG's finding that it is not always easy to prevent or detect situations where staff act collusively with suppliers or bypass controls.

The Board has had its controls and procedures independently reviewed by external specialists each year since 2004. The Board is continuously audited by the Comptroller & Auditor General.

Note: Legal proceedings preclude the Board from commenting further on this matter.

For further information contact:

Elaine O’Mahoney

01 873 8603/087 130 8799