The Tourism chief executive has responded to stinging criticism of her department during the Julie Corkill trial.

Last week, High Bailiff Michael Moyle convicted Mrs Corkill of four charges in connection with tourism grants, which were paid for the development of accommodation at the Corkill family home.

He described the department’s part in the grant process as 'woeful' and 'dismal' and said the way it handled the grant applications was ‘utterly and entirely mismanaged’.

However, while acknowledging the department’s failings, Carol Glover (pictured) has moved to reassure the public a more robust scheme is now in place.

Mrs Glover says shortly after her appointment as chief executive, she met key members of the department’s finance team to learn the background of the matter.

She admitted the files showed evidence of poor administration relating to the Corkill application, an internal audit report highlighted a number of flaws in the procedures used to process the application, and the minister also expressed disappointment about the errors made.

However, she added that immediately afterwards the scheme was completely reviewed, something she described as a ‘huge undertaking’, and a system implemented which had led to improved expediency, clarity and transparency.

Mrs Glover stressed the department was not on trial in the case, and while she deeply regretted the very negative comments that arose about the department, a robust scheme was now in place which is both open and efficient.

She went onto praise the many talented, motivated and highly effective officers within the department and said it would continue to demonstrate quality in administration, economic development and service delivery.