Fraud Prevention

What is Fraud Prevention?

The University is open, transparent and opposed to fraud in the way it conducts its business. We derive much of our income from public funds and therefore we have a particular responsibility to ensure that all income and resources are used for intended purposes. Fraud can be described briefly as theft or misappropriation of University assets.  The University Fraud Policy provides a road map as to how we deal with this. The process is that if fraud is suspected, this should be reported by the staff member to the immediate superior or to the Head of Unit or Head of School. From there, that report should be directed to the Initial Investigator (in the case of suspected research fraud to the Research Integrity Officer, in the case of other suspected fraud to the Director of Internal Audit) who will investigate. The Initial Investigator shall inform the Director of Human Resources who may invoke the University Disciplinary procedure, where the University Member suspected of fraud is a University employee. In all other cases, the Initial Investigator shall inform the Chief Operating Officer.  Each case will be considered individually with an urgent view to minimising the losses (both monetary and otherwise) to the University and also balancing the rights of any individuals who might be adversely affected by any accusation or investigation.  The Director of Human Resources in consultation with the Initial Investigator determines whether the Gardaí should be notified. In exceptional cases, at the decision of the President, the Gardaí may be informed in advance of a process being undertaken.

Further Information