John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister and his officials who were most accommodating towards me before the Bill reached Second Stage. I reiterate the earlier comments of Senator Ryan. There was a lack of information available concerning when Committee Stage would be taken. That was very unsatisfactory and I trust the Leader will be in a position to order the business of the House more clearly in future.

I echo the sentiments of the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, on the role of FÁS, especially his final comments on the importance of FÁS now at the juncture in which we find ourselves. FÁS is crucial and has fulfilled an important role up to now but for those who find themselves unemployed, the importance of a State training agency cannot be overstated. I trust the Bill will ensure that what was uncovered in FÁS in recent months cannot happen again. I was disappointed several amendments were not accepted which could have strengthened the Bill further. Nevertheless, I support the thrust of the Bill, the emphasis it places on improving the transparency of certain aspects of the operation of FÁS and the need to ensure there is a proper State training agency to deal with the difficulties facing the country.