National Audit Office: significant changes in the implementation of recommendations are evident but major results are still awaited

• Positive developments are observed in linking government performance to financial data and in the efficient use of public assets in VET institutions.
• The National Progress Report still needs to be improved.
• Significant changes to the emergency preparedness of the country's health system are still lacking.

Positive developments are taking place in the implementation of the National Audit Office's recommendations, but according to the Report on the implementation of the recommendations, the Government still needs to take significant steps to ensure sustainable provision of health services during emergencies and to provide integrated social support services in municipalities.

Following amendments to the Law on Public Sector Accountability, the State Accounts were submitted to Parliament in spring this year, together with the National Progress Report, which is intended not only to link performance to financial data, but also to serve as a basis for the formulation of the data-driven budgets for the coming year.
 
"Reporting on national progress in 2023 shows that this process still needs to be improved. The report should provide a systematic and informed account of the country's progress, providing more detailed information on the progress targets and indicators achieved and the use of state budget allocations. Significant changes are still awaited from this Government in terms of ensuring access to health services and safety during emergencies, as well as integrated social support services in municipalities," said Mindaugas Macijauskas, Auditor General.

Another positive development has been in measures taken to ensure the efficient use of public assets in VET institutions. Following the recommendations of the National Audit Office, almost 100,000 square metres of redundant state real estate not used for training purposes has been transferred to the Turto bankas (Property Bank). Following the implementation of the National Audit Office's recommendation, the equipment in the sectoral practical training centres has been made available to all those wishing to acquire the desired qualification.

Data on the implementation of the recommendations show that significant changes are still lacking: there are delays in the implementation of the National Audit Office's 2022 recommendations to the Ministry of Health to ensure that the health sector has the necessary human resources and competences, and that medical supplies needed in emergencies are properly stocked and distributed to health institutions.

The delay in the implementation of the recommendations has prevented municipalities from providing integrated social support services and ensuring that they are accessible to all those who need them. The Ministry of Agriculture should step up its efforts to improve the system for declaring agricultural land and crops and to manage the administrative burden of support measures.

The National Audit Office makes recommendations to the institutions and monitors their implementation through audits. A report on the status of implementation of key recommendations is submitted to the Seimas twice a year. The website of the National Audit Office provides open information on the implementation of all audit recommendations which is available here.