Coughlan Orders Review Of FÁS Spending

The Tánaiste has ordered a review into the management of FÁS following concern over irregularity in the agency's spending controls.

It is believed Mary Coughlan has asked the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) to look into the matter following a series of critical reports.

However, despite the statement last night, a spokesperson for Ms Coughlan said the Tánaiste has confidence in the leadership of FÁS, but noted that internal audits have raised serious concerns about how the agency spends public funds.

Ms Coughlan said she wanted to ensure the appropriate controls are in place to detect irregularities or wrongdoing and to ensure the efficient use of public resources.

Leo Varadkar, Fine Gael Spokesperson on Enterprise, said the move "effectively expressed no confidence in the FÁS leadership."

"It is clear that today's announcement of a special C&AG investigation into FÁS expenditure means that the Tánaiste placed no confidence in FÁS's reassurances or in senior management to rectify serious funding anomalies," he said.

(DW)