Concerns have ‘intensified’ over NI Water governance, MLAs told
Concerns about the leadership of Northern Ireland’s water body have “intensified” due to “insufficient assurance” ahead of an audit, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has said.
Earlier this month, Ms Kimmins announced a “forensic probe” into the body to examine whether its systems and processes are robust, effective and fit for purpose.
NI Water receives more than half a billion pounds from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
The minister told MLAs on Tuesday her department’s concerns “have been intensified recently due to insufficient assurance”, as well as reservations around the body’s “use of confidentiality agreements” and its “procurement and contract management practices”.
“I also wish to receive assurance and compliance with managing public money NI, and whether key decision makers have clear sight over information to support effective decision making,” she said.
“As minister, it is incumbent upon me to satisfy myself that the organisation’s internal checks and balances are operating effectively, and that its systems and processes are robust, effective and fit for purpose.
She added: “This audit will provide an opportunity to thoroughly assess governance arrangements, support better planning going forward and ensure full transparency for partners, stakeholders and the public.”
The minister further stated: “This house is relentlessly saying that I need to give more money to NI Water, but I need to ensure that the money we are giving is being used in the proper way.
“And I suppose just to say that without prejudice, we have a number of concerns, and it’s absolutely imperative that I’m able to satisfy myself that those concerns can be addressed.”
Asked by DUP MLA Keith Buchanan if she had full faith in the leadership of NI Water, Ms Kimmins said she has “no reason to doubt that”.
“The point of this audit is to ensure that we can be assured that everything that has been done within the organisation, particularly around governance, meets the standard that we expect,” she said.
“I have outlined the concerns that I have, and then I suppose what has led to this point, and I am pleased that NI Water have said they are willing to engage and be co-operative as part of the audit.
“So, the member will be aware I carried out a forensic audit last year on a different basis, I think that this will further satisfy the issues that we have and the concerns we have, and I hope that we can get a positive outcome moving forward.”