Comptroller and Auditor General

Introduction

The Irish Constitution states that a Comptroller and Auditor General must be nominated by Dáil Eireann and appointed by the President. The main function of the Comptroller and Auditor General is to carry out an audit every year of the State's accounts. They then submit an annual report of the audit to Dáil Eireann. The purpose of the audit is to provide independent assurance that public funds are being well managed and used legally.

The Comptroller and Auditor General is also the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) for Ireland. Supreme Audit Institutions in Ireland and abroad are linked through a number of regional and international bodies:

Nomination

The Comptroller and Auditor General is nominated by Dáil Eireann and appointed by the Irish President. You can read further information on the current Comptroller and Auditor General.

The Comptroller and Auditor General cannot be a member of the Oireachtas (the Irish Houses of Parliament).

Roles and duties

The Comptroller and Auditor General is responsible for auditing the accounts of many state departments and organisations, including:

  • Central government
  • Funds administered by government departments
  • State revenue collection
  • Non-commercial state sponsored bodies
  • Universities and other third level educational institutions
  • Health bodies and agencies
  • Educational training boards

You can see an overview of government expenditure on whereyourmoneygoes.gov.ie, a website of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer.

Where to apply

Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General

3A Mayor Street
Dublin 1
Ireland

Tel: +353 (0)1 863 8600
Page edited: 26 October 2021