Audit Committee, 25 Jun 2002
Meeting date: Tuesday, June 25, 2002
Official Report
239KB pdf
European Court of Auditors and European Parliament (Meetings)
We move on to item 4, which is consideration of a report on meetings with members of the European Court of Auditors and the European Parliament. The Auditor General for Scotland and Mr David Dees of Audit Scotland accompanied me to the meeting with the European Court of Auditors, which provided an opportunity to meet the court's members and officials. We attended a most informative series of seminars, which I am sure will be the basis of much fruitful, future contact.
We had an opportunity to present information on the remit and development of the Audit Committee in the Scottish Parliament. The members of the Budgetary Control Committee showed interest in the workings of the Audit Committee. They were keen to learn what we do and were interested in the fact that in many ways our work within the United Kingdom and at European level makes us one of the most advanced audit committees. It was useful to give them a reprise of the work that we have done and of the kind of inquiries that we have conducted.
The presence of the Auditor General was especially useful, as it allowed his expertise to be matched with that of Europe. I am sure that what we learned will be applied to a great extent in future. I am determined that our Parliament's Audit Committee will be at the heart of information about Europe-wide trends and best practice, which will enable us to ensure that Scotland is in the forefront of the most recent developments in Europe and elsewhere. It is important that we learn about what is good elsewhere and that we apply that in practice. The detailed report is available to members and I seek comments.
In what way are we advanced?
I identified great interest in the powers that we have, which enable us to execute not just superficial inquiries, but in-depth reports and to recall people. As you know, we do not do one-offs; we recall people to ensure that recommendations are carried out. We hold site visits, which many audit committees do not do. Such in-depth interrogation and investigation of accountable officials seemed to strike a chord with our European colleagues, who, I believe, would wish to have similar powers.
Always being open to new ideas and willing to learn will ensure that we are able to do our work as the public watchdog in Scotland. The people of Scotland depend on us and on the independent work that Audit Scotland does to ensure that there is accountability and that best practice is encouraged everywhere in the use of all public finances. The rest of the answer to your question might well be found in the report. You are tempting me to begin a half-hour monologue. Are there any other comments or questions? Is the report accepted?
Members indicated agreement.
Meeting continued in private until 16:42.