Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Both I and the Tánaiste have been aware of the processes that were put in place to see what exactly is the problem in these matters. A similar process is also being conducted by an Oireachtas committee. I made the point two days ago that the Tánaiste indicated that an investigation was being conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General into issues that have taken place, and that the director general would be before the Committee of Public Accounts in the normal way this week. I then went on to say that I know him personally, that he has been an excellent public servant and that I have every confidence in him. That confidence was justified. He is an honourable public servant and he did the honourable thing on behalf of the organisation that he led and tendered his resignation to the board of that organisation. I commend him for that.

He made a significant contribution to the development of services at FÁS during his tenure there, including the One Step Up programme, which has greatly improved the upskilling of the workforce. He tendered his resignation of his own volition because he is a public servant with a good track record. I do not think, no matter the size of the controversy, that it is right for me to reduce that career over that period of time and the good work done down to this issue. He has taken a decision based on accountability for this issue and I commend him for it.

The Tánaiste will report to the Government next Tuesday on what happens next. I understand that the board of FÁS will meet this evening for the purpose of appointing an interim director general of the organisation.

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