Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

It is not appropriate for a Minister to have any function in the day-to-day human resource management of any organisation. Senator Phelan is correct to state that what took place in FÁS was wrong. I will reflect on this matter at the conclusion of the process. There were checks and balances outside FÁS but it was the supervision of FÁS that floundered. A properly structured and appointed board with effective sub-committees along with a properly empowered director general will fulfil the role. We cannot accept the amendment because it is not appropriate for a Minister to be involved in matters which are the responsibility of the board and the director general.