Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

I look forward to reading the balance of the reply. The purpose of this question is to ensure that given the poor oversight of FÁS actions are being taken by Government to ensure we do not have similar activities in other agencies. I am happy to hear that work is being done in this regard. I am not aware of any waste or particular allegations with regard to these agencies but a cursory reading of their budgets shows one very obvious expense which is the extent to which all of these agencies have heavy staff costs and overheads. More than two thirds of Enterprise Ireland's budget goes on staff costs and overheads and less than one third is spent on grants to business. This is not to state there is impropriety or wrongdoing. Does the Minister of State share my concern that all of these agencies seem to have phenomenal costs with regard to overheads and staff relative to their core work which relates to support for business?

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