Freedom of Information Disclosure Log

The FOI Disclosure Log is a record of all completed requests for information that SEUPB has received and dealt with under the FOI Code of Practice. If you would like to receive a copy of the outcome of any of the FOI requests, please contact us via email: communications@seupb.eu

Displaying 1 - 25 of 85 requests
2012
Heading Date of Response Request Outcome
FOI-2012-002 Audit Report - (FAIR) 01/01/2012 I submit for your attention the following requests - Parts 1 & 2 - for information in respect of the SEUPB actions in relation to...
Full request I submit for your attention the following requests - Parts 1 & 2 - for information in respect of the SEUPB actions in relation to the 2010 audit report carried out into the victims group, FAIR and the religious breakdown of SEUPB staff in Northern Ireland. Both requests are made under the terms of the current Freedom of Information Act.

Part 1

Did the SEUPB carry out a procurement procedure to recruit the organisation appointed to carry out the audit report into FAIR?

If so when, and in which newspapers were the appropriate advertisements placed?

How many applications were received in response to any advertisement?

How were the applications assessed?

Who carried out the assessment process?

What was the total overall cost of the procurement process?

What was the total amount, including all professional fees etc, paid by the SEUPB to the authors of the FAIR audit report?

If the SEUPB did not engage in a procurement process in respect of the appointment of the authors of the FAIR audit report, how were the authors recruited/appointed?

Who authorised the appointment of the authors of the FAIR audit report?

Was a report compiled in respect of the process which lead to the appointment of the authors of the FAIR audit report?

Part 2.

What is the total number of staff employed by the SEUPB in Northern Ireland?

What is the religious breakdown - in percentages and numerically - of the SEUPB staff in Northern Ireland?

What is the religious breakdown - in percentages and numerically - of senior staff employed by the SEUPB in Northern Ireland?

I await your response.

Chris Anderson
Information partly disclosed
FOI-2012-003 Audit Report - (FAIR) 01/01/2012 Under the Freedom of Information can you please provide me with the following information:

1) If you employed ASM...
Full request Under the Freedom of Information can you please provide me with the following information:

1) If you employed ASM to carry out an Audit on FAIR can you confirm the date this company was employed by you for this work?
2) Can you provide procurement and the names of other companies who tendered.
3) Can you provide me a copy of the newspaper advert for the tender.
4) Can you provide me a total of the cost of this Audit.

I look forward to your response.
Information partly withheld
FOI-2012-004 Project Audits 01/02/2012 Under the Freedom of Information can you please provide me with the following information:

1) Can you provide me with the number of Victims Groups that you...
Full request Under the Freedom of Information can you please provide me with the following information:

1) Can you provide me with the number of Victims Groups that you had Audits carried out on?
2) Can you provide me with the names of Victims Groups that you have had Audits carried out on?
Information disclosed
FOI-2012-005 Project Audits 01/03/2012 Re: FOI 2012-02

I refer to the above FOI request and your subsequent response.

Further investigations have revealed the SEUPB initiated forensic audit of FAIR cost £17,738.06...
Full request Re: FOI 2012-02

I refer to the above FOI request and your subsequent response.

Further investigations have revealed the SEUPB initiated forensic audit of FAIR cost £17,738.06 to complete. Investigations also show FAIR is the only organisation the SEUPB has subjected to a forensic audit process.

Clearly the information sought in my FOI 2012 - 02 request in respect of the cost of the forensic audit of FAIR is in the public domain. In light of this can you please explain why the SEUPB refused to provide me with this information claiming it was exempt from release.

I now formally appeal the SEUPB decision to only to provide me with parts of the information requested in my FOI 2012 - 02 request.

I would also ask you to confirm FAIR is the only organisation the SEUPB has subjected to a forensic audit.

Furthermore, I now submit the following request for information under current FOI legislation.

What action has the SEUPB taken in respect of investigating the allegations highlighted in the BBC programme 'Spotlight' concerning serious financial irregularities in relation to funding provided to the victims group, SAVER/NAVER?

Has the SEUPB initiated a forensic audit of SAVER/NAVER?

If not, why has the SEUPB failed to do so?

Has the SEUPB referred the allegations of serious financial irregularities within SAVER/NAVER to the PSNI?

Again, if not, why has the SEUPB failed to do so?

Does the SEUPB intend to recoup funding it provided to SAVER/NAVER?
Information partially withheld
FOI-2012-006 Computational Neuroscience 01/05/2012 Information regarding the ‘Computational Neuroscience’ (or a title containing these terms) project at the School of Computing and Intelligent Systems, at the Magee Campus, the...
Full request Information regarding the ‘Computational Neuroscience’ (or a title containing these terms) project at the School of Computing and Intelligent Systems, at the Magee Campus, the University of Ulster
1. The corresponding call for project proposal
2. Copy of the project proposal including budget/ financial statement and names of the proposers
3. Copies of all letters of recommendation
4. Major deliverables, milestones and timelines of as agreed between the University and SEUPB
5. Whether this project is related to the ‘CoEIS’ project funded by InvestNI and ILEX and, if so, how
6. Details of the review or appraisal committees (technical and economic) for the proposal and copies of the recommendations including approved funding and budget
7. All relevant dates: submission of proposal, recommendations, start, completion
8. Whether any extension granted, and if not why not
9. Constitution of the monitoring committee of this project and minutes of the meetings with the project managers
10. Final report
Information not held
FOI-2012-007 Number of Suspected Fraud Cases 01/05/2012 I would be grateful for the following information under the terms of the FOI.

1. Total cost of your fraud investigation service (DARD Central Investigation Service)...
Full request I would be grateful for the following information under the terms of the FOI.

1. Total cost of your fraud investigation service (DARD Central Investigation Service) for the last financial year.
2. Total number of cases of suspected fraud or irregularity referred for investigation during the last financial year.
3. Total number of cases fully investigated in the last financial year.
4. Total number of cases sent for prosecution and/or disciplinary action in the last financial year.
5. Why does SEUPB use the DARD central investigation service as they have no legal powers of investigation, surveillance and financial investigation and in an investigation by Deloitte on July 2010 they were found to be fabricating evidence and much more?
6. Please supply a copy of your anti fraud policy, fraud response plan and service level agreement with DARD for the last financial year.
7. In the last few years a grant or funding was withdrawn from the victims group FAIR headed by mr William Frazer. Can you confirm who the investigating authority was.
Information disclosed
FOI-2012-008 Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland - STRIPE Project 01/06/2012 "I wish to receive a copy of the following documents:
1. The full application document submitted by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland for the "STRIPE"...
Full request "I wish to receive a copy of the following documents:
1. The full application document submitted by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland for the "STRIPE" Programme, together with all attachments and any amendments or revisions to the application.
2. The budget for the STRIPE programme (if separate), together with all attachments and any amendments or revisions to the budget.
3. The Notice of Award letter from the SEUPB to the applicant, together with all attachments and any general or special conditions that might be attached to the Award.
4. The SEUPB's policies and guidance documents related to human rights, promotion of sectarian or religious practices and non-discrimination in the use of grant funds and related or supported activities, along with grant conditions (if any) prohibiting discriminatory or sectarian practices on the part of grant recipients."
Information disclosed
FOI-2012-009 Families Acting for Innocent Victims (FAIR) 01/06/2012 "This request is made under the terms of the FOI Act and if felt appropriate under the terms of the DPA.
Please supply me with the...
Full request "This request is made under the terms of the FOI Act and if felt appropriate under the terms of the DPA.
Please supply me with the following;
1. A copy of the Deloitte investigation report dated the summer of 2010 into the conduct of the Head of the Central Investigation Service (CIS), Mr Thomas McCauley, who was used for advice and guidance in the investigation into me and my organisation FAIR.
2. Confirmation that Mr McCauley, who gave advice and guidance and prepared a report is a qualified "Counter Fraud Examiner"
3. A copy of the CIS report into the investigation of me and my organisation FAIR. The report was conducted by Thomas McCauley on behalf of SEUPB.
4. A copy of the advice and guidance given by McCauley, internal memos, emails and all other documents contained in the CIS investigation into me and my organisation FAIR.
5. A copy of the minutes of all COS meetings with SEUPB on my investigation from start to finish.
6. A copy of any documents presented or used as part of a fraud awareness programme given to SEUPB staff by CIS covering the period 2009 to date."
Information disclosed
FOI-2012-010 M2M Project 01/06/2012 "I have been involved in the Magheramorne regeneration plans since 2001 both through Friends of Larne Lough Community Group (of which I am currently Chair)...
Full request "I have been involved in the Magheramorne regeneration plans since 2001 both through Friends of Larne Lough Community Group (of which I am currently Chair) and in relation to film production on the site since 2004.
Unfortunately although founder partners in the scheme, for reasons so far unexplained, the regular and constructive communication with Lafarge on the actual plans for the site ceased, effectively since the grant of planning approval in late 2009. As there are fears of a change of agenda on the part of site owners Lafarge, and as requests for details of the Interreg application have been ignored, I need to request a copy of a the application and correspondence under the SEUPB FOI agreement with the two Member States.
It is very unfortunate that dialogue has been cut off and I hope it can be restored but the situation remains unsatisfactory and a complete reversal of the preceding attitude of the owners."
Information withheld
FOI-2012-011 Whistle Blowing Operations 01/07/2012 "In the ASM Report it refers to the 'whistle blower' which you have now identified as myself. I am the person who went to...
Full request "In the ASM Report it refers to the 'whistle blower' which you have now identified as myself. I am the person who went to your office to discuss one document.
Can you provide the minutes of the meeting, of what the discussion was and the exact wording I alleged have said. I am entitle to this information under the Data Protection Act and also the Freedom of Information so can you please provide this information as soon as possible."
Information disclosed
FOI-2012-012 PEACE Funding 01/08/2012 "I would like to ask under the Freedom of Information Act. It is in relation to Peace funding and how it has been allocated.
How...
Full request "I would like to ask under the Freedom of Information Act. It is in relation to Peace funding and how it has been allocated.
How much of Peace I, II and IIa funding has been allocated to Nationalist interests and how much has gone to Protestant initiatives?
Also what percentage of these three funding schemes has gone to ex-prisoners group?"
Information disclosed
FOI-2012-017 Connect G Project 01/08/2012 "ICBAN on behalf of its Member Councils and Stakeholders wish to formally request, under the Freedom of Information Act, the following information in relation to...
Full request "ICBAN on behalf of its Member Councils and Stakeholders wish to formally request, under the Freedom of Information Act, the following information in relation to the recent INTERREG IVA Programme Open Call:
1. A copy of the Connect G Application that was submitted for the recent INTERREG IVA Open Themed Call by the Lead Beneficiary, Sabhal Mor Ostaig.
2. In relation to this Project, a copy of the comments / report originally sent by Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS) to the Joint INTERREG IVA Steering Committee meeting on 14th March 2012."
Information withheld
FOI-2012-013 Audit and Investigations 01/08/2012 "I now request the following information under current Freedom of Information legislation.
1. In the financial year 2010/2011 how many investigations did the SEUPB initiate and...
Full request "I now request the following information under current Freedom of Information legislation.
1. In the financial year 2010/2011 how many investigations did the SEUPB initiate and carry out into allegations of irregularities/maladministration by organisations in receipt of EU funding?
2. How many organisations were subjected to audit as a result of these allegations?
3. How many of these investigations were referred to the Central Investigation Service for action?
4. How many of these investigations were subsequently referred to the PSNI for action?
5. The same information as requested in 1-5 be made available in respect of the financial years 2009/2010 and 2011/2012."
Information disclosed
FOI-2012-014 Families Acting for Innocent Victims (FAIR) 01/08/2012 "Under the Freedom of Information I request the following information:
1. In the ASM Audit report it refers to the whistle blower. Shaun Henry has...
Full request "Under the Freedom of Information I request the following information:
1. In the ASM Audit report it refers to the whistle blower. Shaun Henry has confirmed that to be myself. I request a copy of the information volunteered by myself.
2. The information passed to ASM and DARD as part of the report which I believe I am entitled to as being the individual quoted.
3. All email correspondence between SEUPB and OFMDFM in relation to projects SACRED, CAPABLE and EINSTEEN from 2009.
4. All emails between SEUPB, Pobal and OFMDFM and DFP concerning FAIR and myself from January 2010.
5. All communications between SEUPB, DFP, DARD and OFMDFM regarding myself since January 2010."
Information withheld
FOI-2012-015 Fort Dunree Remembrance Project 01/08/2012 "I would be grateful to receive information, in photocopy form (where relevant) as follows:

Copy/ies of the Application/s for Funding and accompanying data which gave rise...
Full request "I would be grateful to receive information, in photocopy form (where relevant) as follows:

Copy/ies of the Application/s for Funding and accompanying data which gave rise to the matters covered in this correspondence.
A copy of the Report of findings ‘as compiled and issued to the relevant Lead Partner’ of the project involved. (My understanding from your website is that the Lead Partner is Donegal County Council, but I would be grateful for verification of this). I request the following particular information (if not already evident in the Application/s and Report):-
The name of the group who submitted the Application/s to which the fabricated quotations in the name of my firm were attached. (On your website I have accessed the name of Fort Dunree Military Museum with the Project name ‘Fort Dunree Remembrance Project’, contact David Magee, with funding awarded of €34,250. I would be grateful to receive verification of these details.
Copy of any evidence to hand of who officially signed the Application/s for Funding.
With regard to the fabricated quotations I request any information to hand as to whether these were fabricated with the knowledge and approval of the applicant group.
I request information, if any, showing that The Inishowen Friends of Messines Organisation (for whose remembrance events the plagues were acquired) have had any act or part in the Application/s and fabrications as submitted?
Copies of the fabricated quotations of the other two firms.
A copy of the quotation of the firm who was awarded the contract and carried out the work of preparing and erecting the three plagues?
The amount paid to said firm for the preparing and erecting of the three plaques."
Information disclosed
FOI-2012-016 Families Acting for Innocent Relatives 01/08/2012 "Under the Freedom of Information I request the following information:
1. Can you supply correspondence advising FAIR of an internal audit between April 2010-August2010.
2. Dates of...
Full request "Under the Freedom of Information I request the following information:
1. Can you supply correspondence advising FAIR of an internal audit between April 2010-August2010.
2. Dates of Spot Checks carried out on CAPABLE, SACRED and EINSTEEN within FAIR - April 2010-August 2010.
3. Correspondence between SEUPB and Pobal in relation to Audit and Spot Checks on CAPABLE, SACRED and EINSTEEN within FAIR.
4. Correspondence relating to dates Pobal were informed that audit was to be carried out.
5. Correspondence relating to date FAIR was informed an audit was to be carried out prior to August 2010.
6. Can you provide the audit report carried out in June 2010 on projects CAPABLE, SACRED and EINSTEEN in FAIR.
7. Correspondence relating to the date that this June audit.
8. Correspondence relating to the audit to the Director and Committee advising them that this was taking place."
Information not disclosed
FOI-2012-018 SAVER/NAVER 01/08/2012 "The following information is now requested under current Freedom of Information legislation.
1. The date/dates of all SEUPB initiated audits carried out into the actions of...
Full request "The following information is now requested under current Freedom of Information legislation.
1. The date/dates of all SEUPB initiated audits carried out into the actions of SAVER/NAVER.
2. The date/dates when the findings of the audits were made available to the SEUPB.
3. Details of the findings of all audits carried out into the activities/actions of SAVER/NAVER.
4. The date the SEUPB referred the matter of SAVER/NAVER to the PSNI for investigation.
5. The date the PSNI investigation into SAVER/NAVER was completed.
6. What action/actions have been taken as a result of the PSNI investigations into SAVER/NAVER.
7. What prosecutions, if any, have been recommended as a result of the PSNI investigations into SAVER/NAVER
8. The total amount of EU funding made available to SAVER/NAVER by SEUPB.
9. What action has the SEUPB take to recover the EU funding provided to SAVER/NAVER by the SEUPB"
Information partly withheld
FOI-2012-021 Moneymore Football Club 01/08/2012 "I would like to request the following information
A copy of the grant application - Reference No.035164. - Project Title: Moneymore Football Club - which was...
Full request "I would like to request the following information
A copy of the grant application - Reference No.035164. - Project Title: Moneymore Football Club - which was submitted to Peace II : Measure3.3: Building Better Communities and Improving Rural Communities in the Border Region in 2004.

I also request a copy of the signed contract between the promoters and Louth County Council - Led Taskforce prior to the Drawdown of funds for the above mentioned grant application.

In addition, I also request a copy of all correspondence from 2004-2007 between Moneymore Football Club and the Louth County Council - Led Taskforce in relation to the above mentioned grant applications and drawdown of funds."
Information not held
FOI-2012-023 Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland - STRIPE Project 01/08/2012 "Following the award of £884,000 in April this year to the Orange Order to fund their STRIPE cross community, cross border project, can you tell...
Full request "Following the award of £884,000 in April this year to the Orange Order to fund their STRIPE cross community, cross border project, can you tell me:

How the distribution of this money within the Orange Order is accounted for? (i.e. do local groups need to apply to the Orange Order for use of this money? And who is responsible for documenting this?)
What is the criteria that projects must adhere to in order to successfully access this money?
What programmes and projects have so far been funded under this project? (I would appreciate a breakdown of the money allocated to each project, the area or region of the project, and who heads the project)
Is it possible, for the purposes of accountability, to see the application made by the Orange Order, on which this money was successfully awarded by the European Union Peace 3 fund?"
Information disclosed
FOI-2012-024 Families Acting for Innocent Victims (FAIR) 01/09/2012 "I now request the provision of the following information under the terms of current Freedom of Information legislation applicable in Northern Ireland.

In 2010, whilst utilising...
Full request "I now request the provision of the following information under the terms of current Freedom of Information legislation applicable in Northern Ireland.

In 2010, whilst utilising the services of the Central Investigation Service (DARD) in respect of issues concerning FAIR, was the SEUPB and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Pat Colgan aware the activities of this particular department and its head, Mr Thomas McCauley were or had been the subject of an investigation commissioned by the then DARD Permanent Secretary, Mr Gerry Lavery.
If so why did the SEUPB and its Chief Executive officer continue to engage CIS to investigate the FAIR issue .
Did the SEUPB receive a copy of the Deloitte Report which detailed the findings of the investigation into CIS and its head of department, Mr Thomas McCauley.
What actions, if any, did SEUPB take if it received the Deloitte Report in respect of the investigation into the activities of CIS and its head of department, Mr Thomas McCauley involvement in actions relative to FAIR.
A written copy of all advice/recommendations given to the SEUPB by CIS/Mr T McCauley in respect of all actions to be initiated against FAIR by the SEUPB as a direct result of all audits/investigations carried out into the Victims group.
In light of the 2010 investigation and subsequent Deloitte Report into the activities of CIS and its head, Mr Thomas McCauley does the SEUPB and its Chief Executive Officer still endorse all advice/recommendations provided to them by this department in respect of all matters and subsequent actions taken against FAIR.
A copy of the SEUPB letter dated 12/10/10 which referred the FAIR issues to the PSNI for investigation.
Names of and the positions held by Consortium staff who provided advice, guidance and training on procurement matters to FAIR on 17/12/09 and 9/2/10.
The venues/locations where advice,guidance and training was delivered by the Consortium to FAIR on 17/12/09 and 9/2/10.
The names of FAIR members and staff who received advice, guidance and training on procurement matters from the Consortium on 17/12/09 and 9/2/10.
Hard copies of all letters, emails, minutes of meetings and reports involving the representatives/officials of the SEUPB, the OFMDFM, the Department of Finance and Personnel (NI), the department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) or any other NI Executive department in relation to all investigations initiated and carried out by the above named parties into the victims group, FAIR during the period 1/1/10 - 29/8/12
Hard copies of all letters and emails exchanged between the SEUPB and Central Investigation Service (DARD) in respect of all issues relating to, and investigations carried out into the victims group, FAIR during the period 1/1/10 - 29/8/12
Hard copies of all findings and reports provided to the SEUPB by Central Investigation Service (DARD) in respect of all investigations carried out by CIS into the victims group, FAIR during the period 1/1/10 - 29/8/12.
Hard copies of all Central Investigation Service/Northern Ireland government departments correspondence detailing actions to be initiated against FAIR as a direct result of investigations carried out into the victims group during the period 1/1/10 - 29/8/12.
Hard copies of all correspondence either received or sent by the SEUPB in October/November 2010 stating police had confirmed/stated a 'prima facie' case existed in respect of FAIR.
Hard copies of all correspondence, emails, minutes of meetings and reports involving representatives of the SEUPB and the Consortium (Community Relations Council/Pobal) in respect of all matters concerning FAIR during the period 4/10/09 - 29/8/12.
Dates and findings of all SEUPB initiated audits during 2010 into the actions/activities of the victims group FAIR .
The names of all organisations/government departments who undertook any SEUPB initiated audit in 2010 into the actions/activities of the victims group, FAIR.
Copies of all correspondence - including emails and faxes - exchanged between the SEUPB and PSNI from 1/1/10 - 9/812 in respect of all matters and issues in respect of the actions/activities of the victims group, FAIR."
Information partly withheld
FOI-2012-020 YESIP Projects 01/10/2012 "I understand that Brian Smart DEL very kindly made contact with you on my behalf regarding the CATER projects submitted, as I understand by the...
Full request "I understand that Brian Smart DEL very kindly made contact with you on my behalf regarding the CATER projects submitted, as I understand by the five. Belfast Partnership Boards in 2,000.
I would like to see any material - Project Proposals, Monitoring reports Meeting Minutes etc that the SEUPB are holding under EU regulations.
May I therefore make a request under Freedom of Information Act to see or have a copy of any paper work the SEUPB may hold?"
Information disclosed
FOI-2012-025 Families Acting for Innocent Victims (FAIR) 01/10/2012 "Under the Freedom of Information I request the following information:

a copy of the Notice of Suspension of Fraud against FAIR within your Department (SEUPB) notified...
Full request "Under the Freedom of Information I request the following information:

a copy of the Notice of Suspension of Fraud against FAIR within your Department (SEUPB) notified to the PSNI and OFMDFM and any other body or person
notification to FAIR of suspicion of Fraud."
Information partly withheld
FOI-2012-022 22 Extending Positive Relations Project 01/11/2012 "Could you provide me with the following information in relation to the Extending Positive Relations Project:
Was the Political Skills aspect of the project put out...
Full request "Could you provide me with the following information in relation to the Extending Positive Relations Project:
Was the Political Skills aspect of the project put out to tender in 2010 or after? If so,

How many tenders were submitted?
What were the names of the organisations whom submitted tenders?
The details of the successful tender?
What role does Women Into Politics currently have in the said project?
Please provide the requested information within the timeframe laid down by the FOI Act."
Information disclosed
FOI-2012-027 Families Acting for Innocent Relatives (FAIR) 01/11/2012 "Under the Freedom of Information can you please forward the following information.

Copy of the letter from PSNI Serious Crime Unit to Pat Colgan referred to...
Full request "Under the Freedom of Information can you please forward the following information.

Copy of the letter from PSNI Serious Crime Unit to Pat Colgan referred to in the email from John Cherry dated 5 January 2011."
Information withheld
FOI-2012-026 Extending Positive Relations Project 01/11/2012 "I would like to request all information held by SEUPB regarding the named company 'WiP Weber Shandwick' awarded the tender for the Political Skills element...
Full request "I would like to request all information held by SEUPB regarding the named company 'WiP Weber Shandwick' awarded the tender for the Political Skills element of the Extending Positive Postive Relations Project including the Constitution, name of Director and Board.
In addition I would like to request the details of the tenders submitted by the other named organisations.

McWilliams Associates
Weber Shandwick
Cheridth Simmons
I would like to request all details regarding the constitution, registration, staff and other particulars of these organisations submitted with the tenders.
I also request all information relating to the delivery and finance of the of the said project i.e Extending Positive Relations adminstered by Training For Women's Network.
I look forward to your response within the timeframe specified by the FOI ACT."
Information disclosed

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