Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied with the way FÁS spends its budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11342/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The budget for FÁS is agreed on the basis of detailed discussions between FÁS, my Department and the Department of Finance in the context of the annual Estimates process. This budget is allocated in respect of specific approved programmes/schemes which are designed to meet the overall objectives set out in the FÁS Statement of Strategy 2006-2009.

The FÁS board and my Department monitor the expenditure and activity levels of FÁS on a continuous basis. FÁS is also subject to normal public service accounting regulations, which includes audits by its own internal audit unit and the Comptroller and Auditor General. In addition, the various programmes or schemes operated by FÁS are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Under the expenditure review initiative 2005-07, FÁS has been the subject of reviews in the following areas: community employment, FÁS standards based apprenticeships, FÁS traineeship and specific skills training.