Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 101: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects to receive the report commissioned from the Comptroller and Auditor General into the effectiveness of FÁS's financial management and control systems; if, pending the receipt of the report, she will take action arising from allegations of financial irregularities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19841/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Comptroller and Auditor General is carrying out an investigation into certain matters in FÁS. I would emphasise that in carrying out this work the C&AG enjoys full independence. The question of when the Comptroller and Auditor General's examination into the management systems and controls within FÁS will be completed and a report published are, properly, matters for the C&AG.

I understand that, as part of this investigation, a report on the examination of advertising and promotion in FÁS will be completed in the near future. On receipt of the completed report I will present it formally to Dáil Éireann as required under Section 11 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Since the publication of the reports of the C&AG and the Public Accounts Committee a series of steps have been undertaken to deal with the matters raised. In particular:

FÁS has clarified its procedures and strengthened its internal controls, including in the audit and procurement areas;

FÁS has passed certain issues to the Gardaí for investigation;

A copy of the internal audit report INV 137, which was the basis for the C&AG's report, has been sent to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement;

The C&AG has commenced a wide-ranging investigation in FÁS, which includes internal controls, governance arrangements, marketing and advertising and specific follow-up of matters raised in the course of hearings of the Committee of Public Accounts;

The Chairman of FÁS, following a request from my Department has provided an undertaking that FÁS is now fully compliant with Department of Finance regulations in relation to Foreign Travel.

The Board of FÁS has stated that whatever additional actions are necessary arising from the report will be fully implemented.