Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I understand the legitimate anger and concern that people have expressed on some of the issues brought to public attention in recent days and times regarding this organisation. I can reply to the Deputy's questions with the same forcefulness. The apprenticeship situation derives from the sectors themselves in respect of numbers taken on and the numbers which go through the system. Let us be fair to the organisation. In that core issue, the interaction between FÁS and industry has been exemplary. FÁS has been in the position to provide the training and certification necessary for the doubling of the construction industry workforce over the past number of years, from 125,000 to 250,000 people at its height. That was accommodated by FÁS and the apprenticeship programmes it conducted. In fairness to that aspect of the situation, let that be said.

With regard to the specific issues raised here, whether regulations that apply to travel and subsistence for bodies and Departments were transgressed, these are matters that must be reported on with some urgency by the chairman to the Tánaiste as a result of the revelations of recent days. That should, and will, be done.

I am explaining that an examination by the Comptroller and Auditor General of wider issues, relating to management processes and the corporate services department of the organisation, has been requested by the Tánaiste on foot of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on public procurement issues in the organisation. I am aware of that situation and we must get to the bottom of it and have accountability. That process is in place, generally in respect of what is done by the Committee of Public Accounts and the Comptroller and Auditor General and in respect of the report to the Tánaiste on these matters that will be forthcoming.

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