Spending Controversy Forces FAS Director General To Resign

FAS Director General Rody Molloy has resigned, following a week of controversy over allegations of excessive spending by the state training agency.

Mr Molloy's resignation last night, after eight years in charge of the organisation, comes in the wake of revelations at the weekend that senior agency staff had spent more than €600,000 on trips abroad in the last four years.

The spending of the official agency had been criticised by politicians for months.

Mr Molloy is due to appear before the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee on Thursday, where he will be questioned by TDs and Senators about the FAS' spending.

Speaking to RTÉ on Wednesday morning, Bernard Allen, Fine Gael TD and Chairman of the Committee, described Mr Molloy's resignation as "inevitable".

Taoiseach Brian Cowen also commended Mr Malloy on his decision to resign.

(KMcA)