Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Unfortunately, a very serious accusation has been made on the floor of the House. My agenda is the following. I want to ensure that those people who have unfortunately lost their jobs as a consequence of the economic difficulties, those who wish to obtain training and those with disabilities will be afforded opportunities. That is the role of FÁS and I want it to remain centre-stage in the context of our economic difficulties.

In saying that, I indicated that I was not happy with issues that arose from the Comptroller and Auditor General's initial special report. I thought it best, given his independence and his reputation, that the Comptroller and Auditor General would afford us greater guidance. I asked him, through my Secretary General, to facilitate a further investigation. He indicated to me that his preferred option was to listen to the Committee of Public Accounts and to use its findings as an opportunity to make his final determination on how he would proceed.

It is the case that the Committee of Public Accounts of this House has an agenda. It does not specifically relate to FÁS, but is a much wider agenda. It has progressed over the past number of years in the implementation of that agenda. In no way have I ever indicated that I do not agree with the methodologies of the Committee of Public Accounts, on which my party has members, as do all parties. It has a different agenda, namely, to examine and give outcomes. However, it is not specific to FÁS. On this occasion, my agenda is to make sure that FÁS and issues relating to that organisation are raised and addressed.

The broad sweeping statements made by the Deputy have no impact in terms of where I want FÁS to be in the next number of years. As a consequence of these statements, an organisation that is made up of many people will feel vilified, which is not appropriate. I know every Member of this House would agree that there are excellent people working in this organisation. We all interact with them, almost on a daily basis, perhaps even more so now. I do not want to see a situation whereby people would feel vilified by broad sweeping statements made in this House.

Without a shadow of doubt, I have concerns and issues. I wish to have this matter investigated fully by the Comptroller and Auditor General so he can advise me of his independent views when his investigation is completed. I will take those on board and address the issues he may or may not raise. I wish to obtain clarity on the matter.

Under no circumstances will I, or any of my team, or my Department, ever condone a situation whereby information is withheld from the board or from Ministers with responsibilities. The Comptroller and Auditor General has an exemplary reputation in this country. I await his report to me prior to making any further decisions that may be necessary arising from this report.

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