Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I have initiated an overall review of FÁS and that process has commenced. This overall project is outside the specific remit I have asked the Comptroller and Auditor General to consider. The Deputy is aware that matter will also be discussed at the beginning of October in the context of public accounts. If the Comptroller and Auditor General is of the view then that there is a need to examine something further, I am sure he will take that into consideration. There are, therefore, two processes taking place currently, one an overall review which had been considered by the previous Minister and is now under way and the other the specific inquiry on the issue mentioned.

No more than all of my colleagues, I am anxious for the betterment of FÁS. As the Deputy said, FÁS will be pivotal in supporting people who need upskilling and new employment opportunities. Therefore, I am anxious to ensure the corporate governance issues are addressed. Equally, I wish to ensure FÁS is given the support it requires to allow it do its work. For that reason, my preferred option is to have a specific investigation by the Comptroller and Auditor General and until we receive the outcome of that inquiry, I prefer not to impose any restrictions on the matter.

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