Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On Deputy Enda Kenny's point about information being brought to the Committee of Public Accounts, I understand from listening to a radio interview this morning with the committee's Vice Chairman that it was agreed between the committee's legal advisers and FÁS that certain data protection issues arose as to why certain stuff was redacted. That is a matter for legal advice.

The real issue is that the truth has to be established and accountability provided for those responsible with detailed consequences arising from that. We are in the process of doing this. It is not being ignored. It is a question of having the means by which it is dealt with comprehensively and factually in fairness to the organisation concerned and the taxpayer. That is the process that is in place. The quicker it is resolved, the better. In the first instance, it is a matter for the board of FÁS to bring forward a report on any recent controversies to the Minister.

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