Written question asked by Lord Laird (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 July 2006.

Waterways Ireland

Question: To what extent Waterways Ireland is publicly accountable; and who is responsible for ensuring its public accountability.

Answer: The accountability arrangements for all six implementation bodies, including Waterways Ireland, are set out in points 1.1 to 1.5 of part 7 to annexe 2 of the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999. The chief executive of Waterways Ireland is the accountable person for the body. In Northern Ireland he is designated by the accounting officer of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and shall report to him/her. If the chief executive of Waterways Ireland was invited to appear before the Public Accounts Committee in Northern Ireland or at Westminster, the Permanent Secretary of DCAL would also normally be expected to attend and could be questioned on issues directly affecting his/her department on the body.

Secondary information