Stormont funding for a major organisation has been suspended, it has been confirmed this morning.
An Executive spokesperson has told Belfast Live that an investigation is underway into Community Restorative Justice Ireland.
It is understood staff across the organisation have been called into a meeting today (Thursday) to discuss issues related to the investigation.
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A document, purporting to be an internal CRJI memo, has been widely circulated via social media over recent days. The document refers to an instruction given to an auditor to carry out a “forensic report on certain unusual transactions”. The document goes on to outline details of a number of transactions that have given cause for concern. It states that over the “course of the past few months a number of transactions” have come to the attention of a senior member of CRJI’s management and that they have “given rise to considerable concern”.
The figures listed as giving cause for concern range from £5,000 to £20,000 with six listed. The auditor was instructed to “carry out a preliminary investigation into the legitimacy of these transactions”. The document adds that invoices regarding the transactions are “lacking in detail but there is concern that the payments in fact were not in respect of the work described”.
CRJI have been contacted for comment.
A spokesperson for The Executive Office said: “CRJI notified TEO of issues of concern. In line with TEO protocol, an internal investigation is underway and funding has been suspended until the matter is resolved. It would not be appropriate to comment further.”
The PSNI also stated that they work with CRJI and that they are ‘reviewing’ the matter.
A spokesperson said: “Community Restorative Justice Ireland is an accredited criminal justice organisation. They are an important community partner who continue to do positive work. Our officers will continue to engage with groups from all communities who represent the needs of victims. Chief Inspector Peter Brannigan has been on the Board of CRJI, acting as a Police representative since 2016.
“As a member of the Board he was made aware of financial irregularities. These were reported to the PSNI, Charities Commission and funders in July 2022. We will keep this situation under review and will continue to liaise with The Executive Office in relation to the matter.”
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