Public Accounts Committee Gets Down to Work

The Public Accounts Committee went to work in earnest earlier today. Following an extensive three-hour briefing by the Auditor General and his staff on May 24 the committee met today and selected the first block of items in the report for immediate review.

The seven public entities selected will now be contacted in writing and asked to supply documents, details and explanations in response to the Auditor General’s Report. After reviewing these submissions the committee will determine whether that respondent will be asked to appear before the committee.

The committee is scheduled to next meet on June 20, to update and formalize its Practices and Procedures Manual to be used both in the ordinary operation of the committee and in holding hearings. While most hearings will be held in St. John’s the committee has traditionally travelled to other parts of the province if public organizations and witnesses are located away from the Capital.

Although its scope is not limited to the Auditor General’s Report, the Public Accounts Committee generally focuses it attention on the findings of the Auditor General, in its reviews of government spending.

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2012 06 07             4:20 p.m.