43 Balloo Road
Bangor
BT19 7PR
Telephone: 028 91279669
Email: /
Your reference:
Our reference: DE/2012-0078
Date: / 25th May 2012
Dear Mr Anderson
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000
I wish to confirm that the Department has now completed its search for the information which you requested on 30th April 2012.
Your Question: Can you confirm if DE uses any of the DARD CIS resources?
DE Response: DE has previously used DARD CIS, on an occasional basis, to provide advice and support in respect of fraud related issues.
Your Question: If so, can you confirm the legal basis enabling DARD CIS to conduct business on behalf of DE and the annual cost of this service for the last financial year?
DE Response: The arrangement for using DARD CIS is in line with Managing Public Money NI which provides for Departments working together to promote better delivery and enhance efficiency. CIS does not deliver statutory functions on behalf of DE; rather any past engagement has been in the form of advice and support that enables DE to conduct its own business. DE does not pay an annual cost for the services provided by DARD CIS - any charges incurred have been based on a daily rate. The Department did not use the services of DARD CIS in 2011/12 and therefore there are no costs for their services in that year.
Your Question: If DE do use this DARD service can you clarify if you have taken any action to review any agreement with DARD CIS in light of the investigation findings of the Deloitte investigation in 2010? And the subsequent findings and action taken as a result of any review?
DE Response: The Department does not have an agreement with DARD CIS for the provision of services and does not hold a copy of the report referred to in your request.
If you are unhappy with the level of service you have received in relation to your request, you may ask for an internal review within two calendar months of the date of this letter. You may write to Garth Manderson, Business Support Unit, Rathgael House, Balloo Rd, Bangor, BT19 7PR, or send an email to if you wish to make a complaint.
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a review of our original decision. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.
Yours sincerely
Michelle Anderson (by email)
Head of Internal Audit