RHI-29 Response Accepted Self-assessed

Departmental Finance Functions

Recommendation

The finance function within a Department should exert the necessary authority and capability to fulfil the requirements of 'Managing Public Money Northern Ireland', namely to retain a firm grasp of the organisation's financial position and performance. The Inquiry recommends that the Department of Finance take action to review and, if necessary, strengthen the leadership of and support for the finance functions within Departments of the Northern Ireland Government.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the NI Executive Response (October 2021), the Department of Finance re-established DoF-led Finance Director meetings and initiated a review of Managing Public Money Northern Ireland (MPMNI), which was subsequently updated in November 2023. According to the NI Executive Response (October 2021) and the NIAO Second Progress Report (October 2024), the finance profession has been strengthened, and budget holder training enhanced, addressing departmental finance function requirements.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.finance-ni.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Response
Accepted
Accepted Department of Finance
07 Oct 2021

[Note: The NI Executive responded to recommendations 19-23, 29-33 together as a group under the 'Governance and Financial Controls' theme.] Accepted in full. Addressed through re-establishment of DoF-led Finance Director meetings and the initiation of a review of MPMNI. Managing Public Money NI updated November 2023; finance profession strengthened; budget holder training enhanced.

Read Full Response
Progress Timeline
Official Report
15 Oct 2024

NIAO Second Progress Report (October 2024): Implemented. Departmental finance function requirements addressed through existing arrangements.

Source
Source
Inquiry RHI Inquiry
Report The Report of the Independent Public Inquiry into the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme 13 Mar 2020
View Source
Responsible Bodies
Department of Finance Primary
Themes & Tags
Weak Government Accountability & Scrutiny Departmental capacity for grant design Governance Finance Managing Public Money Ni
Recommendation age 6.0 yrs
Last formal update 525 days ago