Government has uncovered a serious financial lapse which has led to a sacking and possible court case, Finance Minister Paula Cox revealed yesterday.

She told the House recent cases of theft in the Accountant General?s Department and the Immigration Department had led to tightening of controls and the reestablishment of the internal audit unit.

Ms Cox said it had got through some significant work in the past year.

?The internal audit unit has made sound recommendations for more rigorous controls and has uncovered a serious financial lapse in one entity that has led to a dismissal and pending criminal charges for theft.

?Some people are dishonest and will commit acts of theft and fraud but that behaviour is not indicative of the vast majority of employees of public servants.?