Further to the submission of the financial statements on 31 May 2012 and subsequent receipt of the Auditor-General's draft management letter, I was informed that the Auditor-General had raised issues related to the completeness and accuracy of the fixed asset register and revenue from missions, which could have a negative impact on the audit opinion. It is in this context that I requested the Auditor-General to grant an extension of time for the finalisation of the audit in these areas to allow the Department an opportunity to address the issues, which was duly granted. The audit of the asset register has now been completed and no material issues were raised by the Auditor- General. The audit of foreign revenue is still on-going given the unanticipated complexities experienced by the Department in finalising the relevant audit documentation.