SAO audited allowance organizations that are operated by the Ministry of Culture
Press Release – April 23, 2009
From April 2008 to February 2009, auditors from the Supreme Audit Office (SAO) aimed at management with the state property, the operating allowance, and with financial resources provided for the program entitled “Rozvoj a obnova materiálně-technické základny” (Development and reconstruction of the material and technical bases) from 2005 to 2007.
In the deeds, the Ministry of Culture had not define (or defined poorly) the property of the allowance organizations Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, Prague State Opera, National Film Archives, and of the Moravian Gallery in Brno.
In the audited period, the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague and Prague State Opera did not liquidate the redundant and useless reserves from previous periods, which they managed. “At this time, the reserves pose challenge as they cannot be utilized or sold. The point is that the inventory consists of broadsheets, advertising brochures, and posters related to earlier realized exhibitions and shows, which are inapplicable to up-to-date businesses and would not be used in the future. Neither of the above mentioned allowance organizations could have appropriately resolved this situation since 2005“, said president of the SAO František Dohnal.
The auditors also reported that the National Film Archives had agreed with a remission of a corporate body’s debt. The Act No. 219/2000 Sb. defines remissions as extraordinary ways of treating state assets. According to the Act, only an individual can be discharged from debts.
The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague accepted EUR 1 101 560 in compensation for a damage but did not tax the money in compliance with the Income Tax Act.
The auditing operation was included into the 2008 Audit Plan of the SAO under No. 08/23. Marie Hošková, Member of the SAO Board, controlled the operation and prepared the audit conclusion as well.
Radka Burketová
Press Speaker
Supreme Audit Office