BMW Regional Operational Programme Management

In more recent years and particularly in 2007 and 2008 the focus of the Financial Management and Control functions in respect of the 2000-2006 programming period has been on three priority areas, generally within the realm of closure, as follows:

Closure Preparations for the BMW Regional Operational Programme 2000-2006
The Assembly has been involved in a Closure Monitoring Committee which has been actively engaged in a process of advising and assisting all relevant organisations in their closure activities. A closure timetable has also been agreed.

 

Look Back Reviews
As part of the closure process the Assembly has engaged in a wide ranging look back review of all expenditure certified to date. This has necessitated a series of on-site visits to a variety of final beneficiary bodies, particularly local authorities, and the provision of a range of follow up advice and support in rectifying any deficiencies encountered.

Addressing Audit Findings
A significant amount of work was undertaken during 2008 following up on the findings that arose from audits conducted by both the Irish and EU Audit Authorities.  This included the compilation of comprehensive responses to the audit findings and the effecting of financial adjustments where some ineligible expenditure was identified. 

Financial Management and Control 2007-2013
The main focus of the BMW Regional Assembly to date has been the continued development of administrative arrangements and the early implementation of the BMWROP 2007-2013. This involved the development of selection criteria and implementation plans for the various themes and the drafting and completion of administrative agreements with all intermediate bodies in the cascade. A comprehensive systems description was required by the regulations which described the entire architecture for the implementation of the programme. This was completed in partnership with intermediary bodies and subjected to a compliance assessment by the Audit Authority. 

The BMW Regional Assembly was also engaged in the development and issuance of the Department of Finance Circular on Financial Management and Control arrangements for the 2007-2013 round, the National Eligibility Rules, the Structural Funds IT System and the guidance document on information and publicity. The completion of administrative agreements with all relevant Departments and Agencies will provide a high level of assurance on compliance with EU and national regulations and procedures for the 2007-2013 programming period.