§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
How much has been paid in expenses to the chief executive of Waterways Ireland each year since 2000. [HL4107]
§ Baroness AmosThe expenses paid to the chief executive of Waterways Ireland for the years since 2000 are as follows:
- 2000: (Not in post—chief executive appointed in 2001)
- 2001: £7,246.96
- 2002: £11,248.12
- 2003: £5,629.42
- 2004: £3,306.27 (to August)
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What ratings their auditors gave to the audit report for Waterways Ireland in each year since 2000; and whether they will place copies of these reports in the Library of the House. [HL4109]
§ Baroness AmosThe ratings of the Comptroller and Auditor-General are contained within the audit certificate incorporated into the annual report and accounts of Waterways Ireland for the years 1999–2000, 2001 and 2002. Copies of these documents have been placed in the Library of the House.
The Comptroller and Auditor-General has yet to report on the accounts for 2003.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
When and by whom the Waterways Ireland director of marketing and communications and the head of administration and communications were appointed; after what process; and how many candidates there were for the positions. [HL4143]
§ Baroness AmosFollowing its establishment, functions were transferred from existing statutory bodies, north and south, to Waterways Ireland. The50WA legislation in each jurisdiction made provision for the designation and transfer of staff to the body.
The director of marketing and communications and the head of administration (marketing and communications division) were appointed by the chief executive of Waterways Ireland with effect from April 2002 following their designation and transfer from the former Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands under the relevant legislative provisions. They were the ony candidates for the posts.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
When the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure first became aware of the allegations of staff harassment in Waterways Ireland; and what action the department took and when. [HL4146]
§ Baroness AmosThe Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) in Northern Ireland and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA) in the south first became aware of the allegations of harassment against an employee in Waterways Ireland in January 2003. The matter is currently the subject of an investigation by two independent investigators appointed by the departments in November 2003.