Menu
11/09/2009
Fás Fraud Files Exposed
Fraud detectives investigating the Fás training and employment agency have today handed over files detailing the level of waste and excessive spending by the body's executives.
The Director of Public Prosecutions received the files from Comptroller & Auditor General's (C&AG) office following an investigation into an advertising company suspected of systematically double-charging Fás.
The charge is one of a long line of allegations against the agency who are responsible for running a number of Job Centres in Ireland to facilitate those seeking employment.
Outrage against the authority first emerged after the body revealed it was running at an expense of nearly €1 billion per annum.
In this latest investigation over systematic double-charging, it is understood the owner of advertising company involved ran several firms, which regularly billed the training agency more than once for the same work.
Garda sources have also revealed that an Fás employee is also under investigation in relation to the mysterious payout of €622,000 over a period of years for goods and services never supplied.
Yesterday Leo Varadkar, Fine Gael's Enterprise spokesman said "Heads must roll on the FÁS board and at senior executive level".
Mr Varadkar said: “The C&AG’s report confirms shocking levels of waste within FÁS. Accountability for this bad practice goes all the way to the top of the organisation.
"Taxpayers and the thousands of hard-working FÁS employees deserve no less. Yet no single member of the FÁS board, or anyone at senior management level, has been held accountable."
Minister for the Environment John Gormley also today called for the resignation of the board members of State training agency.
(DW)
The Director of Public Prosecutions received the files from Comptroller & Auditor General's (C&AG) office following an investigation into an advertising company suspected of systematically double-charging Fás.
The charge is one of a long line of allegations against the agency who are responsible for running a number of Job Centres in Ireland to facilitate those seeking employment.
Outrage against the authority first emerged after the body revealed it was running at an expense of nearly €1 billion per annum.
In this latest investigation over systematic double-charging, it is understood the owner of advertising company involved ran several firms, which regularly billed the training agency more than once for the same work.
Garda sources have also revealed that an Fás employee is also under investigation in relation to the mysterious payout of €622,000 over a period of years for goods and services never supplied.
Yesterday Leo Varadkar, Fine Gael's Enterprise spokesman said "Heads must roll on the FÁS board and at senior executive level".
Mr Varadkar said: “The C&AG’s report confirms shocking levels of waste within FÁS. Accountability for this bad practice goes all the way to the top of the organisation.
"Taxpayers and the thousands of hard-working FÁS employees deserve no less. Yet no single member of the FÁS board, or anyone at senior management level, has been held accountable."
Minister for the Environment John Gormley also today called for the resignation of the board members of State training agency.
(DW)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 October 2009
FÁS Board To Be Chopped By Six
The number of board members at the chagrined State training agency will be chopped from 17 to 11, under new proposed legislation. The Labour Services Amendment Bill 2009 will introduce sweeping changes at the FÁS, which has been at the centre of a number of expenses scandals.
FÁS Board To Be Chopped By Six
The number of board members at the chagrined State training agency will be chopped from 17 to 11, under new proposed legislation. The Labour Services Amendment Bill 2009 will introduce sweeping changes at the FÁS, which has been at the centre of a number of expenses scandals.
29 January 2010
FÁS Spending Could Be 'Criminal Activity'
The former head of the FÁS audit committee Niall Saul has said revelations emerging from inquiries into spending at the training agency could constitute "criminal activity". A report published yesterday by the audit committee brought further revelations of ostentatious and uncontrolled spending at the maligned State training agency.
FÁS Spending Could Be 'Criminal Activity'
The former head of the FÁS audit committee Niall Saul has said revelations emerging from inquiries into spending at the training agency could constitute "criminal activity". A report published yesterday by the audit committee brought further revelations of ostentatious and uncontrolled spending at the maligned State training agency.
14 September 2009
Fás Board Resign
Following months of investigations, external pressure and outside scrutiny, the board at the state training agency have tendered resignations. Legislation to restructure the disastrous Fás at "the highest level" is also expected to be ready in four weeks.
Fás Board Resign
Following months of investigations, external pressure and outside scrutiny, the board at the state training agency have tendered resignations. Legislation to restructure the disastrous Fás at "the highest level" is also expected to be ready in four weeks.
27 September 2010
Government Slams End Of Pairing Agreement
The Government has heavily criticised a decision by Fine Gael to end a long standing pairing agreement in the Dáil. Fine Gael announced its decision to end the pairing agreement with the Government, just as Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan was due to visit to the US for a mission involving Enterprise Ireland this week.
Government Slams End Of Pairing Agreement
The Government has heavily criticised a decision by Fine Gael to end a long standing pairing agreement in the Dáil. Fine Gael announced its decision to end the pairing agreement with the Government, just as Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan was due to visit to the US for a mission involving Enterprise Ireland this week.
11 October 2011
FÁS Pay €175k To Former Director
A High Court has awarded a settlement to the former Corporate Affairs Director of a training and employment authority after he claimed he was used as a scapegoat. Former Director of Corporate Affairs at FÁS Gregory Craig, has agreed to his dismissal and been awarded a settlement of €175k. The payout follows an incident in 2008 when Mr.
FÁS Pay €175k To Former Director
A High Court has awarded a settlement to the former Corporate Affairs Director of a training and employment authority after he claimed he was used as a scapegoat. Former Director of Corporate Affairs at FÁS Gregory Craig, has agreed to his dismissal and been awarded a settlement of €175k. The payout follows an incident in 2008 when Mr.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains mainly dry overnight with a touch of frost or fog patches possible in places. However, cloud is expected to increase towards dawn with the odd light shower. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
