Dublin Cultural body turns spotlight on itself

TBCT was until recently headed up by Dermot McLaughlin, seconded from his Dublin role to become Project Director with UK City of Culture, but who resigned the position in March after five months for personal reasons. He was subsequently suspended from his job as CEO of TBCT without predjudice on May 13.

TBCT has commissioned an independent internal investigation to be carried out by Turlough O’Sullivan. In the document leaked to this paper it states that the Board of TBCT is obliged to carry out the investigation based on the findings of financial audits which discovered serious flaws in the monetary governance of the organisation.

Whilst no individual within the TBCT has been accused of financial impropriety the scope and role of the TBCT investigation can recommend that disciplinary procedures can commence based on the findings-although the investigator will have no right to initiate such proceedings.

The document also states that part of the role of the investigator will be “to examine whether or not confidential company information was leaked to the media and the possible source/s of any such leaks.”

The invesitgator will also be given access to all financial reports and policy documents he considers relevant to his investigation and will meet Directors, relevant employees of the company and any other he deems appropriate who will be given the chance to clarify their role and responsibility in respect of any issue, “provide any explanation as may be neccessary and identify the role of any other(s) as may be relevant.”

Those questioned are entitled to representation but are bound by strict confidentiality clauses-which if broken, will be treated as a “serious offence.”