Report notes unapproved overtime payments

THE report into lapses of internal control at the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) referred to a number of issues apart from purchase of IT equipment.

Among them were unauthorised overtime payments to staff, one of whom received €13,720 and three others being paid about €3,000 each. The chief executive Eddie Ward’s approval had not been sought but they were later found to be justified and were cleared in 2005, after Mr Ward had queried them.

A merit award of €19,230 was made to IT manager Neil Ryan, which was not approved by Mr Ward or the board, which does not have a merit award scheme and is seeking recovery of the money, which amounted to about €10,000 after tax.