Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I thank all Senators for their time and input to this process in recent weeks. I thank the officials of both Houses, including the Clerk of the Seanad and the Clerk of the Dáil, the clerk to the Select Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment and officials in our Department who have worked very hard on the legislation at a time when their attention has been diverted to other issues in respect of FÁS.

I reiterate the remarks of Senators and Deputies during the passage of the legislation concerning the staff of FÁS. The actions of a small number of people have damaged the whole organisation. However, this should not take away from the quality, commitment and passion for their work of the people in FÁS. Throughout the country, whether as part of apprenticeships or community employment schemes, people's lives are being enhanced by the work of FÁS. What took place in FÁS should in no way diminish the role the staff have played in the running of the organisation and their contribution to society.

This House and the other House have come out of this process well in respect of the role of the Committee of Public Accounts and the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It shows we have an effective committee system that can be used well and which has great potential. I acknowledge my thanks to the Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts, Deputy Bernard Allen, the Vice Chairman, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and other members for the role they have played and continue to play in respect of FÁS. I trust every Senator will join me in offering my best wishes to the new director general, Mr. Paul O'Toole, as he attempts to deal with the issues that arose in the organisation and, more important, as he tries to deal with the task at hand in terms of addressing the needs of the 430,000 unemployed. That figure increased today and it should be our focus in respect of FÁS and in terms of providing the best possible service for these people at a very difficult time in their lives. We must refocus our attention and energies on that job. It was never more needed than now. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chathaoirleach, an Seanadóir O'Malley agus gach éinne eile a bhí páirteach sa phróiséas seo i rith sa seachtaine.