Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion. I was Minister of State with responsibility for labour affairs when the difficulties we are discussing first came to our attention. The Tánaiste at all times acted with the utmost probity and was conscious of the need to address the problems as they unfolded. Factually incorrect assertions have been made that she did not act on time or in good faith. On foot of receiving a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General in June 2008, she acted immediately to ask the then director general of FÁS to put in place appropriate procedures. That was the first indication difficulties had arisen in FÁS. The Comptroller and Auditor General's report pointed out deficiencies in the area of corporate affairs and auditing. Further revelations subsequently came to light regarding travel expenses and the science challenge programme and, again, the Tánaiste responded quickly and effectively.

People seem to have forgotten that the Committee of Public Accounts had already started an investigation when the Comptroller and Auditor General, who is an independent official with a statutory responsibility for ensuring public funds are not misappropriated, agreed to a request by the Tánaiste for further investigation of the issues that had arisen. The Comptroller and Auditor General agreed to investigate after the Committee of Public Accounts reached its conclusions in October and November 2008.

It is accepted that an abuse of public funds took place and that money was spent in an unacceptable and wasteful manner but it is incorrect to suggest that the Tánaiste was unaware of the gravity of the matter. From the moment these issues came to light, she acted at all times in the best interests of the taxpayer and FÁS.

The Committee of Public Accounts has held further investigations and the Comptroller and Auditor General has made his report. The Tánaiste has gone beyond several of the recommendations they made on establishing a new board and introducing amending legislation. Allegations of cronyism have been shouted across the floor of the House. If the Deputies making these allegations had the wit to study the Labour Services Act 1987, they would understand how the board is appointed. It is for nominating bodies and not the Minister of the day to propose the members of the board.

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