John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)

Like my colleagues, I welcome the opportunity to make a contribution to this important debate. I welcome and support the amendment that has been submitted by the Tánaiste. Deputy Varadkar said that when he raised this issue in the Dáil in May 2008, the Tánaiste did not want to know about it. That is not true. I am being kind when I use the word "untrue". I will refer to the various actions that have been taken by the Tánaiste since May 2008, when it became evident, following the publication of an internal report by FÁS and a special report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, that difficulties were emerging within the organisation. Following the publication of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report, the Tánaiste took immediate steps to deal with the problems that had been identified. She met the chairman and director general of FÁS in June 2008 to seek assurances that the issues raised in the special report were being addressed. She emphasised the importance of FÁS securing value for money in its expenditure.

The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste, like all members of Fianna Fáil and the Government as a whole, want taxpayers' money to be properly, wisely and prudently spent. It is wrong for Opposition Deputies to claim the higher moral ground, as if they want certain standards but we do not. That is not the case. It is important to nail that lie. The Tánaiste asked the Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to write to the then director general of FÁS to request a comprehensive report setting out the measures the organisation had taken to tighten its internal controls and prevent a recurrence of the practices raised in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report. The then director general responded in writing on 1 July 2008, setting out in detail the remedial actions taken in addressing the concerns of the Tánaiste and her Department. When further issues came to light in September 2008, the Tánaiste once more asked the Comptroller and Auditor General to consider them. She demanded an examination and an investigation of the irregularities and wrongdoing that were becoming evident and called for a further report to be prepared. I am glad this was done.

The Tánaiste acted quickly and in the best interests of the taxpayers of this country at all times. I commend her on that and acknowledge the effort she made during a very difficult period for FÁS. We have to acknowledge the fantastic work that is being done at all levels, with the exception of corporate governance, within FÁS. As we make representations on behalf of our constituents each day, we see the fantastic benefits FÁS can bring, predominantly in its retraining and upskilling role. It does all of that work in an absolutely brilliant fashion. I accept that mistakes were made. When the Tánaiste puts in place new practices in FÁS, and other Ministers draw up similar regulations and practices, with the best will in the world they still have to depend on people who are in a position of trust. I refer to people who are being paid by the country's taxpayers to show personal responsibility. I regret to say that in the absence of such responsibility, neither the Tánaiste nor anyone else can stop wrongdoing like that associated with FÁS. There will always be wrongdoing. We have seen it before and I am sure we will see it again. Certain people do not live up to their personal responsibilities when they are placed in a position of trust. The blame for many of this country's scandals has been laid at the door of Ministers. I accept that the buck stops with the Government. The majority of such scandals were caused by people who lacked a sense of personal responsibility. They were put in positions of trust, but they showed scant regard for it and squandered taxpayers' money. That should never happen, but it has happened and it will happen again. All the Tánaiste or anyone else can do is ensure that we examine what went on, put it right and implement improved practices. We hope those who will be entrusted with positions of great responsibility in this country in the future will live up to those responsibilities. We should get value for taxpayers' money, which should be spent wisely.

I am pleased to have had an opportunity to speak on this important amendment. I commend the Tánaiste and wish her well. I am sure she will see this out and we will see the right result for FÁS. I wish FÁS well in the future.

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