Internal audit as a took for good governance in public service department

Abstract

The Internal Audit and Investigation Department aims to provide the Government of Malta with a functionally independent and professional competent appraisal, consulting and investigative functions establish within Government to examine, inspect, scrutinise and recommend on government activities as service to Government itself. This function is undertaken through centralised and decentralise internal audit units. All the respondents to my questions expressed their satisfaction to the audits carried out by IAID since they promote best practices and help to achieve good governance amongst other functions. Even though the government remains as important player in the economy, business community and the general public are also important stakeholders. This happens since both contribute to the government finances by paying taxes and other contributions. The importance of transparency, scrutiny and accountability form an important part of good governance concept. The development of internal audit role from one of only checking the financial statements to one of encouraging more value for money audits or risk management, to mention only two, is crucial. Investing money, especially in human resources, in internal audit units is not a waste of money From my research and readings, it transpires that apart from the internal audits units in every ministry, other tools are being used for the achievement of good governance in the public service. These include the establishment of a new department intended to promote this concept through the whole public administration and the publishing of a report on the recommendations by NAO implemented by the ministries.