Parliamentary Replies

Parliamentary Question by Mr Don Wee: 

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance in view of the findings and recommendations in the Report of the Auditor-General for FY 2022/2023 arising from the Auditor-General’s thematic audit on key COVID-19 grant schemes, whether these findings will be addressed and measures be worded into operational procedures so that the Government's response time continues to be swift when the next crisis occurs.

Parliamentary Reply by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong:

The Auditor-General’s thematic audit on key COVID-19 grant schemes noted that the Government had to develop and implement new grant schemes rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and adjust these schemes as the situation evolved. 

While the AGO affirmed that these schemes were well-designed with the necessary controls in place to ensure proper management, it also identified areas for improvement. Agencies have since taken steps to address the root causes of the audit findings. The learning points from these audits have been incorporated into the agencies’ operational plans and procedures. However, as the next crisis will not be identical to COVID-19, Government agencies will have to stay agile and nimble in adapting and responding quickly to new challenges and demands.