Laura Leonard - DCD

As a Deputy Director in the Evaluation and Audit Unit I have a very varied and busy job, working on both internal audit and evaluation assignments. 

One of the highlights for me of 2016 was leading an evaluation of the Department’s programme in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. The evaluation looked back over the past five years and was able to confirm that the programme had been very successful with many achievements to date.  More importantly the evaluation provided learning and strategic input into the decision-making for Ireland’s future work in Vietnam and the region.

Internal audit is about assisting the Department to achieve its objectives by evaluating and, as appropriate, recommending improvements to the systems of governance, risk management and control. Internal Audit provides the Secretary General, as Accounting Officer, with independent and objective assurance on the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the Department’s framework for these systems. 

As well as auditing the systems, we also provide advice to colleagues to help to reduce the risk of problems arising.

The best part of my job is working with colleagues across the Department and around the world.