Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 69: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the recent publication of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on internal control and governance in FÁS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11369/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The report referred to by the Deputy identifies procedural deficiencies in financial controls and governance in FÁS. However, it is important to point out that it also concludes that transactions processed were, in the vast majority of cases, for the benefit of the Agency, and that transactions comprised in its annual accounts were properly chargeable for its objectives. I have sought and received assurances from FÁS that internal controls are now being fully complied with. Specifically, it has, among other actions, now:

restructured and significantly tightened controls in the Corporate Affairs function of FÁS, which had been at the centre of the C&AG's investigation;

approved new procurement procedures and is undertaking a full audit of all procurement locations, which will be completed by the end of 2010; and

put in place new procedures for reporting significant control failures, ensuring appropriate corrective action is taken.

The enactment in January 2010 of the Labour Services (Amendment) Act 2009 and the appointment of a new Chairman and Board provides for a stronger, more efficient and accountable governance structure at the Agency and will help it to focus fully on its core mission, at the centre of which is to provide relevant and high quality employment and training programmes to those who are unemployed.