Unfair swipe

The University of Ulster would like to clarify its position regarding criticism of its corporate credit card ("Corporate credit card for Ulster senior staff was too lax, says assembly", THES , January 25).

A statement issued to your reporter, and not quoted, said:

"This [the audit office] report was published in 1998 and referred merely to weaknesses in the university's financial control systems.

"The university acknowledged that there were, at the time, weaknesses in the control mechanisms. The report did not imply in any way misuse or misappropriation of university funds.

"Following the report, new procedures were introduced and existing controls were strengthened. This was praised by the Northern Ireland Audit Office as a 'positive and constructive response by the university'."

Brendan Kelleher
Director of public affairs
University of Ulster