Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 1 June 2000 For Use: Immediately

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Lews Castle College have agreed the following statement with reference to recent issues concerning provision of the college’s internal audit service and membership of the college’s Board of Management.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed news that CIPFA, the professional organisation for those working in public finance, has completely exonerated Mr. Robin Bennie, the Comhairle’s Director of Finance, of any impropriety following a recent complaint to the organisation by Lews Castle College concerning comments made by him in relation to its budget.

The college has decided, and the Comhairle agrees, that the internal audit of the College finances should not be carried out by the Comhairle’s finance department because of the potential difficulties in the arrangement where Council personnel may encounter conflicting accountabilities in dealing with public monies.

Dr. Neil Galbraith, acting Chief Executive, said today:

"I am pleased that it has now been confirmed that the Director of Finance did not act in an unprofessional manner in this matter. It is in the interests of both Lews Castle College and the Comhairle that the internal audit function is carried out by some other organisation. The difficulties that the present arrangement can cause for officers of the Comhairle were clearly illustrated by this unfortunate episode. I would also state that I find it deplorable that somebody thought it appropriate to leak information to the media in an attempt to tarnish the name of the Director of Finance, just as the Comhairle deplored the original releasing of information to the press and elected members in June 1999. However, the Director of Finance has been cleared of all ‘charges’ and I would ask those sections of the media that carried that story to give the same level of coverage to CIPFA’s findings. I would also stress that it is important that the Comhairle and other organisations work together for our islands and I am confident that we can continue that process."

Speaking for Lews Castle College, Principal David Green said:

"The college had already decided, and communicated to the Comhairle,that it was terminating the contract for internal audit services. The news that CIPFA does not consider Mr Bennie to have acted inappropriately does not lessen the College Board of Management’s concern that elected Members of the Comhairle can intervene without accountability in relation to the provision of services by the Comhairle to outside organisations, which lies at the heart of this matter. I also share Mr. Galbraith’s concern at the leaking of information. It is important now that the College and the Comhairle concentrate on further developing the positive working relationship that currently exists in many areas of activity. We look forward to some time in the future when it may be possible to invite a member of the Comhairle on to the College’s Board of Management once more."

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer